Leaf analogy to teach concepts in watersheds

Instructors can use this learning module to introduce the concept of watersheds using an analogy of something students see every day, a leaf. The module consists of multiple learning objectives and activities. Using them, upon completion of the module, the students will be able to define important elements of a watershed, describe watershed divide, list the role and types of streams, describe concepts in drainage network and drainage patterns, differentiate watersheds shapes and watershed sizes, delineate watersheds, calculate watershed characteristics and order streams. This novel approach fosters learning by enhancing the sense and meaning of the information and is most likely to get stored in the students short-term and long-term memory. Verbal feedback from students indicates they understand the concepts in watersheds and delineation better.