Groundwater Consulting Lab Karen Kortz

Summary Students are given a real-world scenario in this lab exercise in which they must determine the extent of groundwater contamination while staying within a budget. They progressively request more information and summarize their findings on a map.

Background to the Lab I wanted a lab where students addressed a real-world problem I worked with my husband (a hydrogeologist for an environmental consulting firm) to try to get things right

Previous Skills Students need to be able to determine the direction of the flow of groundwater based on a water table contour map I have students answer questions about this for the first part of lab to become more comfortable with the skills

Goals Content –Predict movement of groundwater contaminants Thinking Skills –Analysis of data –Formation and testing of hypothesis –Synthesis of data Other –Working in groups

The Set Up Students form groundwater consulting groups of 3-4 Handouts: –Directions –Map with tank location –Request for drilling and contaminant testing For the instructor: –Key

Final Report Map

Final Report

In Lab: The Students Students decide where to drill wells –4 drilled at the same time They fill out a Data Request Form and give it to the instructor –Get water table depth –In addition, can request contamination test at any point

Data Request Form

In Lab: The Students Students receive data back from the instructor They enter the data onto their map Students then request another batch of data Groups discussions of where to drill can become quite involved!

In Lab: The Students Must stay within budget! If you do the math, students can request 4 sets of 4 wells and 13 TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) tests to detect contamination

In Lab: The Instructor Students turn in requests for drilling and TPH tests Instructor fills out the water table levels and contaminant data (if requested) using the key Instructor does not give advice in choosing drilling locations

Data Request Form

Key

Evaluation Students turn in the final map on which they draw their interpretation of the direction and extent of the contamination

For More Information Karen Kortz