US Environmental Protection Agency
Non-Point Source Pollution
Investigate the different types of pollution that storm drain runoff carries into oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams with this class demonstration. Using an aquarium and an assortment of everyday items that contaminants like motor oil,...
Curated OER
The Other Water Cycle
Middle schoolers examine human impacts on the water cycle. They compare/contrast the permeability of various materials for the purpose of engineering landscape drainage systems, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
Super Stream Keeper's
Students are introduced to Delaware's waterways as precious resources used for drinking water, water for agricultural and industrial uses, recreational areas, and as habitats for wildlife. They are introduced to wastewater discharges,...
University of Wisconsin
Follow the Drop
Young surveyors look for patterns in water flow around campus. Using a map of the school (that you will need to create), they mark the direction of the path of water. They also perform calculations for the volume that becomes runoff. The...
Techbridge Curriculum
Calculating Rainwater Runoff
Thirsty plants soak up every bit of a rainfall, but what happens to the rain that hits the roof? Calculate the amount of rainwater from your school's roof with an Earth science activity, which brings measurement skills, observation...
Marine Institute
Water Pollution
Sixth graders investigate the various types of pollutants found in water and ways to help prevent water pollution. Through a hands-on experiment, young scholars create samples of polluted water by mixing water with vegetable oil, dirt,...
Curated OER
Water Pollution Lesson Plan: What's the Flow?
Learners study urban runoff. They identify the urban runoff in a simulated area and determine peak flows using charted data. Finally, they discuss possible causes of the differences in flow rates.
Curated OER
Soil Runoff Challenge
Learners find ways to decrease soil runoff for an African Village as a part of a Peace Corps project. In this soil runoff lesson, students play a soil runoff challenge online. Learners complete online activities and view a slide show to...
Curated OER
Droplets and Downpours
Students explore how storm water flows through different habitats by sketching the slope of their yard, compare runoff for erosion, and create a sand castle. In this storm water lesson plan, students measure where their yard started and...
Curated OER
Reducing Rain Runoff
Students compare roofing materials to determine which ones reduce rain runoff. In this rain runoff lesson plan, students use a milk carton, stickers, soil, and more to create this activity.
Rivanna Regional Stormwater Education Partnership
Invisible Passengers
How does water pollution affect the organisms living in the water? Use three science experiments to examine how erosion and other pollutants can affect water quality. Each experiment focuses on a different aspect of pollution and...
Curated OER
Storm Drain Dumping
Students conduct an experiment to show how water gets contaminated through neighborhood runoffs.
Curated OER
Teaching about Rain Storms, Land Use, and Lake Turbidity
Students investigate the impacts of major rainfall and subsequent runoff on turbidity in lakes. They, in groups, develop a presentation of their research and/or write a paper summarizing their investigation.
Curated OER
Where Does Water Run Off After School?
Students conduct a study of the school grounds in order to find information about how water moves during the rainy season. They estimate the area of the school grounds and determine the route that water would take as storm runoff.
Curated OER
Salt Marsh in a Pan
Students create a model of a salt marsh to discover the impact of pollution and human activities on water-based habitats including bays and the ocean. They recognize the relationship between natural and developed areas. Students impact...
Curated OER
Abundant Lakes
Students define lake life zones. They define stormwater runoff and its effects on lakes. They identify the relationship between decaying substances and water pollution. They construct a freshwater food web.
Curated OER
Watershed Investigations
Students explore the components of a watershed and the factors that affect it. They read a topographical map and use geometry to determine the area of a watershed. Students estimate the volume of a body of water and perform runoff...
University of Wisconsin
Conjunction Function
As part of a unit, this lesson familiarizes youngsters with components of a rain garden. They speculate about the role of an assigned component in contributing to a rain garden, and ultimately, in the health of the local watershed. Each...
Curated OER
Acid Rain
Create a simulation of acid rain in your classroom with lemon juice and bean plants to help kids study the effects of pollution on plants. In addition, learners will listen to a story and write responses based on guiding questions.
Curated OER
Rain Garden
Students build rain gardens. In this community service lesson, students study the effectiveness of rain gardens in allowing water to run off. Students build a community rain garden at their school.
Curated OER
Storm Drain Dumping
Students develop an awareness of what happens to water contaminated through neighborhood runoffs. Students perform an experiment that shows what happens to runoff when it's diverted to different places.
Curated OER
Controlling Nonpoint Source Pollution
Learners examine factors affecting water quality. They test water in a local body of water to determine its quality. They collect data and continue monitoring the water monthly. They assess water quality in the home and on the farm.
Curated OER
What's The Flow?
Students examine urban runoff and identify peak flows. They examine causes for different flow rates, and complete worksheets and a graph.
Curated OER
Water Quality and Temperature
Students are led through three activities to explore the effect of temperature fluctuations on the growth and survival of aquatic plants, clams, and shrimp eggs.