Objectives
Demonstrate how water moves through different materials (infiltration vs. runoff).
Compare the filtering ability of soil + natural objects (rocks, leaves, etc.).
Show how ground conditions affect water quality by observing turbidity/color of the runoff.
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
- Have Cups A, B, and C with about 6-7 small holes at the bottom
- Pour Cup A with half a cup of soil and measure half a cup of water in an empty plastic cup.
- Pour the half cup of water into Cup A and place a cup underneath for the runoff water to be collected.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.