Run Off With Water Knowledge

Supplies

  • 3 clear plastic cups labeled A,B, and C
  • 4 empty clear plastic cups
  • Soil
  • Water
  • Rocks
  • Leaves

Procedure

  1.  Have Cups A, B, and  C with about 6-7 small holes at the bottom 
  2. Pour Cup A with half a cup of soil and measure half a cup of water in an empty plastic cup. 
  3. Pour the half cup of water into Cup A and place a cup underneath for the runoff water to be collected.
  4. In Cup B pour half a cup of soil, but mix in about a handful of leaves within the soil. Pour half a cup of water into Cup B and collect the runoff into an empty cup.
  5. In Cup C pour half a cup of soil and mix in about 4 rocks within the soil. Pour half a cup of water into Cup B and collect the runoff into an empty cup.
  6. Observe the 3 cups with the collected runoff and compare amount, color, and particles.

Conclusion

  • Observations between runoffs
  • Recall quiz questions

Tips

  • Prepare holes with cups beforehand.
  • May be difficult to do with big groups 6+ due to distractions
  • Have lots of paper towels laid on the table/ tablecloth.

Kennelly, Stephanie. “Watershed: Exploring Run-Off and Infiltration in the Classroom.” MnSTEP Teaching Activity Collection, Garlough Environmental Magnet School, West Saint Paul, MN, 7 Aug. 2008, serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/26051.html.