Center for Watershed Science and Education Groundwater Model Teacher Workshops
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:
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- Receive a FREE sand-tank groundwater model for your school or organization.
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- Experience with hands-on, place-based lessons to help you feel more confident teaching your students about groundwater.
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- Receive additional resources to guide student learning and meet NGSS standards!
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- Reimbursement available should your school need a substitute teacher to cover your classes while you attend the workshop.
The training is provided by staff from the Wisconsin DNR, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education, and the UW-Madison, Division of Extension’s Natural Resources Institute. Funding for the groundwater workshops comes from a wellhead protection “setaside” grant given to the DNR by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
How to Attend the Workshop
You must first apply to be considered for this workshop.
APPLY HERE
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 one of the following one-day training sessions.
- Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 @ Treehaven
- Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 @ Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
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
Introduction to groundwater
A brief introduction to groundwater basics.
A video introducing basic groundwater concepts and the sand-tank groundwater model.
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.
Lesson for demonstrating how to calculate Darcy’s law using the sand-tank groundwater flow model.
Learn about groundwater terminology and definitions using these two simple activities.
Additional Groundwater Videos
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) wellhead protection video.
A brief video demonstrating the concept of aquifer penetration using a sand-tank groundwater model.
A video demonstration of using the sand-tank groundwater model, with labels.
Video documentation of a joint project between the United States Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and the Wisconsin DNR where the connection between groundwater and surface water is explained.
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.