Drain Game

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In this activity (on pages 36-39), learners make a model of a watershed out of paper, then run water down the mountain to simulate how rainfall and pollution affect watersheds. Learners are introduced to the ABCs of runoff—how agricultural runoff, bulldozers, chemicals and human debris impact lakes, streams and rivers in urban as well as suburban areas. Water-soluble colored markers are used to represent rivers and these pollution sources. The "Think It Over" section at the end encourages learners to reflect on what they wash down their drains at home.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model, Simulation
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 bond paper
  • water-soluble pens in green, yellow, red, brown, blue
  • tape
  • spray bottle of water
  • pen or thin permanent marker
  • paper towels

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Human Impact

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Designed specifically for

  • Rural dweller

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

  • Girls

    • Explicity developed for this group

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • , University of Nebraska State Museum and Nebraska 4-H, 2001

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation Informal Science Education Program, 9909496
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute