Modeling working group:
Learning Finite Differences with a Darcy Apparatus
Initial Publication Date: October 5, 2005 | Reviewed: June 8, 2013
Summary
Our working group was charged with coming up with ways of introducing FD techniques. This is a visual (lab) methodology for teaching finite differences using a Darcy column. After students have learned Darcy's law, the apparatus can be used to introduce the concept of finite differences by dividing the column into sections.
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Audience
This is for an introductory level (junior, senior) hydrogeology course
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Students will learn the concepts of numerical methods and finite differences for simulating hydraulic heads
How the activity is situated in the course
Haven't used this yet. This was developed during the workshop this summer in our working group.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Introduction to numerical modeling
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
- conceptualize numerical methods
- formulate FD expression for simulation of heads
- develop a working numerical model
Other skills goals for this activity
Description of the activity/assignment
See attached Excel worksheet
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students can enter their own input data and calibrate the model using the Excel spreadsheet provided.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment (Excel 236kB Oct5 05)