This is for the laboratory component for an introductory Earth sciences course for non-majors. This course is an option for general education requirements.

The students have been exposed to the terms, concepts, and principles of groundwater. They are familiar with what and aquifer is and its importance in hydrology.

There are two exercises in the groundwater laboratory. The first one deals with the physical hydrology and the second focuses on the chemistry of water. The labs are 2 hours long with a 15 minute introduction by a TA and a 1:45 graded lab exercise. This hands-on activity is part of an introduction to the physical hydrology lab in lieu of a PowerPoint presentation which is a typical introduction.

Students should gain a better understanding of the meaning of porosity and permeability. Students should be able to identify a porous and non-porous handsample: granite and sandstone Students should be able to identify the better material for an aquifer

Making observations, formulating a hypothesis, testing a hypothesis, synthesizing conclusions

collaboration with peers, working in groups, writing, confidence in science

The students are exposed to a brief (approx. 5 minute) introduction/presentation on aquifers and groundwater including their geographical context, structure, and vocabulary. The students receive everyday materials with different properties: Styrofoam block, scrubbing pad, etc, and a dropper bottle filled with water. They are not initially told what to do, but instead asked what they are going to do. The idea is to use the dropper bottle to put water on the objects and notice if the water passes through or not? They are also encouraged to notice any physical features that may be responsible for these behaviors. Students typically won't talk to each other at first and won't know what to do. Asking them guided questions usually encourages conversation between the students. They can also be asked what other everyday objects could be used for this exercise. After they have explore everyday objects, they are introduced to a handsample of granite and a sandstone. Although they have not been exposed to rocks in lab, they can usually identify the granite right away, and the sandstone when about the size of the grains. They then will discuss the physical properties of the rocks and hypothesize what is more porous and permeable. They test this with the water dropper. Finally, as a class, we discuss that something that is porous and permeable like a sandstone makes a good aquifer, and where good aquifers are located.

My primary way is by talking to students and asking them about their findings. This is mean to be an introduction to the lab, so they are more evaluated on their performance on the lab exercise.

I don't currently use a website, but I would like to use the USGS water resources portal for future developments