Plumeflow Project
The Incorporation of Groundwater Flow Models into a Middle School Earth Science Curriculum
Megan Roberts, East Side Middle School
Megan Roberts, East Side Middle School
Introduction - Lesson Plan
Various environmental themes are woven throughout the 8th grade Earth Science curriculum at East Side Middle School. For example, when students are investigating the Water Cycle, we also look at the impact that humans are having on the world's water and explore the laws and ethics surrounding preservation and clean-up responsibilities. The main focus of this unit is a month long water quality assessment of the East River where students collect and analyze water samples. In addition, the students read A Civil Action (Jonathan Harr, 1996, Vintage Books, New York) as a case study by analyzing the science and environmental issues in the book. The book offers students an insight to the complexity of environmental issues and helps them to understand the various perspectives of those involved.
The Groundwater Flow models were used to simulate the Woburn stratigraphy in this book. They helped to illustrate the interaction of groundwater, surface water, and the pollutants in the context of the Woburn case and also helped students to grasp how groundwater can carry pollutants. The students attempted to demonstrate how the trichloroethylene contamination migrated from the point source to the towns' water supply by simulating both the Aberjona River and wells G and H.
As students read the book, class seminars were held to discuss the scientific issues and debate the issues surrounding the ownership of the groundwater. Students drew maps and used the flow models in order to illustrate their points to the class.
