Grades:

7-12

Objective:

Learn to apply new knowledge of the water cycle and watersheds.

Method:

Students will discuss in small groups, and then as a class, a series of questions that draw on their knowledge of the water cycle, watersheds, and how people interact with the environment.

Materials:

• Discussion questions written on a chalkboard, handout, overhead transparency, etc.
• Notebooks or notepaper
• Writing implements

Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Class Time: 45 minutes

Procedure:

• Present the discussion questions and ask the students to write them down.
• Divide the students into small groups.
• Ask the students to answer the following questions as a group.
  • What separates one watershed from another?
  • What problems do watersheds face?
  • What are the negative effects of changes in watersheds? (people and animals)
  • What are the benefits of changes in watersheds? (people and animals)
  • What natural phenomena can affect watersheds?
  • What human phenomena can affect watersheds?
  • How do changes (dams, irrigation networks, man-made waterways like canals, etc) affect watersheds?
  • Has the watershed that supplies the pond at Hanford Mills faced any of these problems?
  • Review the questions and the answers as a class.

Assessment:

• Participation in groups and class discussion
• Written answers to questions

NYS Learning Standards:

• ELA Standard 1
• ELA Standard 3
• Math, Science and Tech. Standard 4

Vocabulary & Spelling Words:

Watershed – n. the region or area drained by a river, stream, etc.; drainage area.