Application and Resources
Groundwater supplies drinking water to the majority of Wisconsin citizens, and it is important that students understand where their drinking water comes from and how to protect it. Groundwater is a component of physical and environmental science curricula; however, it can be difficult for students to understand.
The sand-tank groundwater model is an invaluable tool for helping visualize the movement of groundwater and pollutants through underground materials.
Benefits of attending this 1-day workshop:
How to Attend the Workshop
You must first apply to be considered for this workshop.
Any Wisconsin teacher, naturalist, or other educators who teach about groundwater are eligible to apply. Twenty educators will be selected. If you are accepted, you will have the opportunity to attend a one-day workshop and receive a FREE groundwater model for your school, nature center, or organization. Those selected will be expected to:
1. Participate in a one-day training session.
2. Agree to incorporate the model into your curriculum or educational programming.
3. Agree to demonstrate the groundwater model with 15 or more students annually.
4. Agree to perform at least one activity that has a “take-home” component.
5. Complete and submit a pre/post workshop evaluation.
Please note: Because the funding is from the Wisconsin DNR, the workshop is limited to educators that teach in the state of Wisconsin.
Questions about the workshop can be directed to Cayla Cavey: ccavey@uwsp.edu, 715-346-2229.
What past participants have said about the workshops: Click here to view the Executive Summary
Workshop Resources: Videos and Activities
What is this groundwater?
A video introducing basic groundwater concepts and the sand-tank groundwater model.
Introduction to Wisconsin Geology and Aquifers
Slides of Wisconsin geology and properties of the major Wisconsin aquifers.
Basic sand-tank groundwater model skills
A video demonstrating the basic steps of using a sand-tank groundwater model.
Taking care of your sand-tank groundwater model
A video explaining the “How-To’s” of cleaning and caring for your groundwater model.
Sand-tank groundwater model demonstration
A video of the activities that can be done with the model to demonstrate different groundwater concepts.
Sand-tank groundwater model activity guide
Step-by-step instructions for conveying the basic concepts of groundwater using the sand-tank groundwater model.
Darcy’s Law: Quantitative Exercise
Lesson for demonstrating how to calculate Darcy’s law using the sand-tank groundwater flow model.
Groundwater Word Search & Crossword
Learn about groundwater terminology and definitions using these two simple activities.
Additional Groundwater Videos
An Ounce of Prevention
Aquifer penetration using a groundwater model
Sand-tank groundwater model demonstration
Little Plover River Pump Test
Other Groundwater Resources
Wisconsin Groundwater Study Guide – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
It’ll Go with the Flow – Slides to be used with the water table mapping exercise found in the Groundwater Study Guide.
Great Lakes, Small Streams: How water shapes Wisconsin. Student Activity Guide – Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey – Your one stop shop for information on the geology of Wisconsin. Order maps, rocks and find other great information by visiting their website.
What’s Wrong With My Water? – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WI Well Water Quality Viewer – Search for well water quality information in your community using this interactive mapping viewer.