Build a Watershed

Distribute basin kit with all the supplies assembled to each group (each bin can be identical, or different "optional additions" can be given to different groups for an opportunity to explore a range of materials and concepts among the groups)

Each group empties their basin and spreads out their materials so they can see everything

The watershed model will be built inside the basin, so that when water is sprayed, it runs down and can collect in the basin (this helps with observation as well)

Students begin with parchment paper - crumpling and shaping the paper to form a landscape - thinking about elevation, hills, mountains, ridges, valleys, lowlands... a watershed!

Once the paper is shaped and model set up in the basin, students can carefully trace along the ridgelines (creases) with marker - this also defines the borders of the watershed(s) or sub-watersheds

Any or all of the "optional additions" can now be added: 

• "sediments" (sand, soil, cocoa powder)

• "pollutants" (designated color of marker, drop of food coloring, veg oil, salt, confetti)

• "ecological features" like wetlands, forests, etc (sponge, moss)

• "human impacts" representing different land uses (parking lots, farms, deforestation, industry, etc)

The above allows for a great deal of creativity, exploration, experimentation, observation, and analysis!  

The spray bottle kicks off the water cycle!  Precipitation falls on the watershed (spray can be utilized & controlled to demonstrate different effects - from light rain to storms, erosion, flooding, surface water collection, etc)

There is no one way this activity needs to be carried out - there are lots of variations and ways that it can be conducted to focus on and teach about specific concepts (whether you want to focus on the hydrologic cycle vs mostly about pollution impacts, for example)

Complete the lesson by following up however you choose: 

• groups can share-out their observations and analysis

• reflection questions can be provided for the groups to answer afterwards

•  students can take notes individually or as a group as they add various materials and experiment

• a tracking or recording sheet can be provided for each group to record more specific data or observations while carrying out the activity

• students can tour/cycle around the room seeing each other's models, or presenting to one another to compare & contrast their experiences & reflections

An engaging small-group activity involving collaboration, creativity, and teamwork

Lesson takes 40 - 60 minutes with opportunities for various extensions, reflection questions, and follow-up learning opportunities

Visual & tactile learning experience that offers an interactive, 3 dimensional representation of important science concepts

A great lesson for experimentation, exploration, observation, and analysis!

Each kit for the activity includes:

• Tray with rim or basin for holding watershed model

• Parchment paper (white preferred for visibility)

• Spray bottle filled with water

• Markers (washable kids markers)

Optional additions:

• Play sand

• Loose soil

• Cocoa powder

• Sponge pieces

• Small confetti pieces

• Liquid food coloring

• Vegetable oil

• Salt

• Moss

• Aluminum foil