Make a Watershed Model

Description

Make a Watershed Model is one of six activities dealing with watersheds found in "Ground Truth Studies Teacher Handbook", a compilation that introduces students to remote sensing technology as a means of studying global change. Collectively these six, hands-on activities provide an analysis of a local watershed. Students learn to use maps, satellite imagery and three-dimensional models to explore the physical features of a local watershed. Students are also taught interviewing and field observation techniques to collect information on the various causes and effects of changes to their watershed over time and to illustrate the complex interrelationship between human activity and the landscape.

 In the "Make a Watershed Model Activity" students construct a three-dimensional model of their local watershed to study how the physical features of the landscape influence human activities. Students use their models to describe the topography, locate significant physical features and explain the distribution of human activities taking place within the watershed. In the activity students will • build a watershed model using plaster of Paris or papier mache techniques • add the significant physical features & human landmarks to the model with tempera paints • demonstrate drainage patterns by adding small amounts of water to model and observing the direction of flow • offer explanations for the location of human landmarks and infrastructure within the watershed • describe the interrelationship between watershed features and human activity • make recommendations regarding future development within the watershed. Other topics addressed in the compilation include, climate change, the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and biodiversity. In addition to nineteen activities recommended for use in grades 7 through 12, the compilation provides background information on global change and remote sensing, a set of maps/images of British Columbia, a glossary and a comprehensive list of suggested readings and supplemental resources. The BC edition of the compilation is available from Wild BC. www.hctf.ca/wild.htm

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Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units