Where does all the rainfall go?
In this activity, students will learn:
1. To investigate the influence of impervious surfaces on runoff volume, which can be directly related to how urban and suburban development can greatly influence hydrology and the need for stormwater management. 2. To investigate how rain gardens can reduce runoff volume and be a critical part of stormwater management. 3. Related topics include the ability of soil or composts in rain gardens to clean water before it is eventually discharged into surface waters. 4. For computations, the runoff coefficient (runoff volume/rainfall volume) can be calculated. Click here to access a downloadable PDF of this activity.
Perkin' through the pores
In this activity, students will be able to determine the water holding and draining capacities of different soils and will investigate how organic matter increases the amount of water soil will hold. Click here for a downloadable PDF of this activity created by Utah State University.
Particle size activity
In this activity, students will learn about the different sizes of soil particles, and how to separate them using water. Visit this USDA Natural Resources page for the activity.
Soil is like a sponge
Visit Dr. Dirt's page to find out how soil acts like a sponge and absorbs water!