Ground Water Institute for Teachers

Ground Water Institute for Teachers™
Ground Water Information, Awareness & Education Since 1986

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Institute Background and Description

Ground water and water wells can provide a great learning laboratory for children of all ages, not just in science, but also in many other areas of the school curriculum. An appreciation of the vital role of ground water in our environment and economy should be part of the learning heritage of every adult and child. There are hundreds of ways in which teaching basic science subjects such as math, chemistry, biology and physics can be related to ground water topics. In addition, applied studies such as computer science, civics, economics and history can use examples and case studies from ground water science and technology.

Ground water is the source of drinking water for over half of the U.S. population. Fifteen million homes have their own well. Much of the nation's irrigated agriculture and industry is dependent on ground water. Ground water also plays a vital role in the environment by sustaining many aquatic ecosystems.

Teachers will learn about well construction and the basics of well design. They will learn how pumps work, discover the learning opportunities of everyday equipment like water softeners and carbon filters. They will get to see cut-away pressure tanks, discuss the chemistry of iron removal, outline the economics of water supply options, be provided with information about contaminants and the calculation of wellhead protection areas.

In addition to the presentations and discussions, Institute field trips and site visits have included trips to active drilling sites, municipal well fields, water treatment facilities, USGS hydrologic research sites, a well screen manufacturing plant and water quality laboratories. Participants take home classroom-ready activities and in most states receive continuing education credit.

We have consulted with science teachers. They welcome this opportunity for learning about ground water. Many have unused ground water related curriculum materials in their storerooms. They tell us that when they understand subject content, they will find creative ways to integrate that knowledge into their students' learning experience. When teachers are excited about a subject, their students get excited about learning. Children will benefit from understanding ground water basics. It truly represents learning for life. They will soon be homeowners, decision-makers and environmental stakeholders.

We are not adding to curriculum - we are promoting ground water as a bridge to existing curriculum.

Did You Know...

What Teachers Learn
Ground Water Institutes are content focused and targeted for Middle and High School teachers, but Elementary School teachers attend and use the experience as a basis for their classroom teaching. The instructors for each Institute are educators themselves or are ground water professionals with hands on experience in the field. Through class sessions, field trips, demonstrations, discussions and handouts, teachers learn how to integrate fascinating ground water subject matter into existing curriculum. For example:

Geology / Earth Science
Where does ground water come from? How to choose the best place for a water well and decide how deep to make it? How do springs work? What can be done to prevent contamination and provide an adequate water supply?

Physics
Ground water can flow "up hill." How does a home water system work? How does a pump work? What does a pressure tank do?

Chemistry
What are the origins of minerals in ground water? How do we solve radon, arsenic and iron problems? How are simple water tests done with minimum equipment? How do water softeners work? What are the merits of ozonation and chlorination for water treatment?

Math
How can flow direction and water level information be used to calculate the dimensions and productivity of an aquifer? How do we calculate wellhead protection areas? How old is ground water (nuclear isotope dating)?

Biology/Ecology
Just what is the relationship between wetlands and ground water? What organisms may be found in well water, springs and mountain streams? How do septic systems work?

Civics
How can conservation commissions, watershed associations and planning boards protect local resources? How do communities make decisions about land use zoning and aquifer protection regulations?

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Continuing Education
Past Institutes