The Path Most Travelled

Students will analyze maps of the school grounds and take a walk outside (on a dry day) to predict where the water flows and pools on the school campus using topographical cuesm, durface hardness and by looking for signs of erosion and water accumulation.  After a rain (or during one if your students are so inclined), students will observe water flow and accumulation and compare with their own predictions.
Objectives

1.  TSWBAT predict water flow patterns on school grounds.  2.  TSWBAT map water flow patterns on school grounds.
Materials

maps of school campus (topographical if possible and water drainage if possible), clipboards
Procedure
1.  Give students a map of the school campus and briefly go over it.
2.  Take a walk around the campus and look for signs of erosion and water accumulation.  Have students mark these on the map as they see them.
3.  Back in the classroom, have students draw on their map where water will flow and accumulate on the surface.
4.  After or during a rain, have students actually see and draw (on a new map) the locations of surface water flow and accumulation.
References
Adapted from Project Wild Aquatic: Where Does Water Run Off After School
State Standards
1.3.1- The student will develop and demonstrate skills in using lab and field equipment to perform investigative techniques.(NTB)
1.3.2- The student will recognize safe laboratory procedures.
1.4.1- The student will organize data appropriately using techniques such as tables, graphs, and webs (for graphs: axes labeled with appropriate quantities, appropriate units on axes, axes labeled with appropriate intervals, independent and dependent variables on correct axes, appropriate title).
Lesson Resources