Perform this preparation prior to the activity.
Select
four areas in the schoolyard, each with a different land surface (e.g.,
concrete, grass, soil, and mulch). Rope off the areas, or simply label
them with letters. (You may choose to recruit parent volunteers to
help monitor students at each station.)
Open the
coffee cans at both ends,
and discard the cuttings. Use duct tape to cover any sharp edges.
Conduct
this portion in the classroom.
- Define
and discuss percolation with the class. Ask students to speculate
about the relationship between
percolation and runoff. Ask students
to share examples of surfaces with slow percolation, fast percolation,
and no percolation.
- Divide students into groups of 4–5,
and give each group a copy of the
Student
Data Sheet (PDF; also available in a Word
file).
- Read aloud
the percolation test directions from the Student Data Sheet, and
ensure the students understand the procedure.
Help the
groups determine
which of their members will be responsible for each of the five “Group
Jobs.”
- Write the surfaces of the four testing areas on the
board, and direct the groups to complete the “Predictions” portion
of the Student Data Sheet.
Conduct this portion in the schoolyard.
- Take the class into
the schoolyard and show students the four testing areas. Direct
each group to begin at a different area.
- Instruct students to
complete their tests by following the directions given on the Student
Data Sheet. Remind them to
record their results
in the Data Chart on the back of the Student Data Sheet.
Next:
Session 2
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