Learn with Hanford Mills

The Water Cycle and Watershed

Grades:

7-12

Objective:

Understand the local community watershed.

Method:

Students will locate their local watershed on a NYS Map and research information using the online resources provided to answer questions.

Materials:

Time:

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Class Time: 30 minutes

Procedure:

  • If this is a group activity, ask students to break into small groups of 2-3.
  • Hand out the New York State maps, one to each student or group.
  • Give the students the Science in your Watershed
  • Ask students to find Hanford Mills Museum’s watershed (northern Delaware County) and to outline and label it on their NYS map.
  • Ask students to find their community’s watershed using the website and to outline and label it on their NYS map.
    • Ask students to explore the site to find answers to the following questions:

    • Are Hanford Mills and your community located in the same watershed?
    • Is your watershed as you expected it to be? Explain.
    • Discuss your findings in class.

Assessment:

  • Maps
  • Answers to questions
  • Participation in class discussion (speaking and listening)

NYS Learning Standards:

  • ELA Standard 1
  • Social Studies Standard 3
  • Math, Science, & Technology Standard 4

Vocabulary & Spelling Words

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