Jump to this Activity »
Eyes on the Hydrosphere: Tracking Water Resources
https://serc.carleton.edu/getsi/teaching_materials/water_challenges/index.html

Jonathan Harvey, Rebecca Walker, Geodesy Tools for Societal Issues

This module introduces students to the basics of the hydrologic cycle in a way that engages them with both societal challenges related to water and methods for measuring the water system. In the final exercise, students are able to investigate water resources in a region of interest to them.

This learning activity is a two to three week module and will take a varying amount of class periods.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Regional Focus

Online Readiness

Topics

Climate Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Students will need guidance from the educator to outline exactly which resources the students should focus on for the homework and in-class activities.
  • Explicit teaching tips are included for each section and include information about the amount of time each activity takes as well as how long certain datasets may take to load.
  • There is extensive background material included which may take some time for teachers and students to work through before lessons.

About the Content

  • This resource includes 3 units related to the hydrologic (water) cycle and techniques that scientists use to measure the hydrologic cycle. Citations are appropriate and include sources such as NOAA, GRACE and USGS.
  • This is a strong unit that brings in data and various analysis methods for students to work through in order to better understand the water cycle.
  • The data used in the module includes both traditional (ex. stream gages) and geodetic methods (ex. gravity satellites). Students also use real data to identify trends and extremes in precipitation and water storage.
  • This curriculum includes text and video resources, as well as scientific datasets.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • In this activity, classroom participation is encouraged with discussion and a "wall tour" activity.
  • Unit 1 and 2 include numerous optional reading materials that are embedded in lessons outside of the original water cycle curriculum. Consider assigning specific resources that are most important to teaching objectives.
  • This resource is pedagogically well-supported for both teachers and students. It includes a webinar for teachers, well-organized and formulated lessons, and a resource page for students to find what they need for each lesson.
  • This lesson includes individual and group work, reading, reflection, and working with data on the computer.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • This resource is easy to use and clearly organized. Note: files download without preview.
Entered the Collection: September 2023 Last Reviewed: June 2023

Jump to this Activity »