Making a Groundwater Model!!
	Since it is impossible to travel underground to learn about groundwater, scientists create models to help us understand what we can't see or experience first-hand. Below are the directions for making a very simple groundwater model. Using this model you will learn what groundwater is, where it comes from, how it becomes contaminated and what we can do to protect it.

NOTE: The activity below is told in story format as each team of students create their own groundwater model.

GRADE LEVEL: Adaptable for all elementary except very young.

TIME: 15-30 minutes

MATERIALS (for each model):
2-3 clear plastic cups toy sprinkling can or spray bottle or cup optional : artifical green grass (carpet) pea-sized aquarium gravel blue and yellow food coloring pump from liquid handwashing soap

SETTING UP THE MODEL:
Fill with water dyed dark blue.	Cut "grass" into a circle. Lay it on top of the gravel. Place gravel in cup.
Keep nearby.

Institute of Water Research - MSU
Design by Alex Morese