Website
US Geological Survey

Usgs: Water Science for Schools Effects of Urbanization

For Students 3rd - 8th
This U.S. Geological Survey website offers a short article then lists topics that are linked to brief articles that describe that particular topic's effect on water quality in urban areas. Click Home to access the site in Spanish.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Natural and Urban "Stormwater" Water Cycle Models

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students apply their understanding of the natural water cycle and the urban stormwater water cycle, as well as the processes involved in both cycles to hypothesize how the flow of water is affected by altering precipitation.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Natural and Urban Stormwater Water Cycles

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Through an overview of the components of the hydrologic cycle and the important roles they play in the design of engineered systems, students' awareness of the world's limited fresh water resources is heightened. The lesson lays the...
Handout
US Geological Survey

USGS: Urbanization and Water Quality

For Students 3rd - 8th
This website focuses on water quality issues in relation to urbanization. There are helpful links to brief articles on topics like storm runoff, wastewater, and the underground water table. Click "Water Science School HOME" to access the...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: What Trickles Down?

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Permeability is the degree to which water or other liquids are able to flow through a material. Different substances such as soil, gravel, sand, and asphalt have varying levels of permeability. In this activity, students will explore...
Unit Plan
Other

Virtual Field Trip: Water/aquifers

For Students 6th - 8th
This virtual field trip for middle school students looks at aquifers and their place in the hydrologic cycle. Students learn why and how it is important to protect the source of your drinking water and some unique details about the...