The Foundation is committed to providing balanced information regarding the use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest. All segments of the public have become increasingly concerned with the costs and benefits of operating hydroelectric facilities. Environmental impacts, operational issues, economic needs, preservation of benefits such as flood control and recreation, and an increasingly ... Full description.

This site covers many of the components of cloud formation and cloud types. Although written for the high school level, the middle school student could grasp most of the concepts with the assistance from the teacher. Specific concepts covered include the importance of and mechanisms that produce rising air, cloud types, and ptyes of precipitation. There are nice graphics and images to support the ... Full description.

This module on measuring nitrates and their effects on water quality is from a larger series on water quality investigations. It provides background information on nitrates and how it affects water quality. It also contains both a pre-test and post-test, a laboratory investigation, and a self-study game. The purpose of the site is to help students understand the sources of nitrates and the role that ... Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to log soil data using a Davis soil moisture and temperature station. Soil moisture and temperature sensors are installed at multiple depths and a station is set up to measure and record measurements at 15 minute intervals. These measurements are transferred to your school.s computer and then submitted to GLOBE via email data entry. Gravimetric soil moisture measurements ... Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to sure the distribution of different sizes of soil particles in each horizon of a soil profile. Using dry, sieved soil from a horizon, students mix the soil with water and a dispersing solution to completely separate the particles from each other. Students shake the mixture to fully suspend the soil in the water. The soil particles are then allowed to settle out of ... Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to measure the salinity of the water at your hydrology site. Students use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the water sample, and use a thermometer to measure the temperature. With these two values, students will use tables to determine the salinity. Full description.

The purpose of this activity is to measure relative humidity using both a sling psychrometer and a digital hygrometer. Intended outcomes are that students learn to quantify humidity and that there is a limit to the amount of water vapor that the air can hold. Students gain insight into why rain drops and snow flakes form and why there is precipitation. Supporting background materials for both student ... Full description.

The purpose of this activity is to measure surface temperature with a handheld Infrared Thermometer (IRT). The instrument is pointed at the ground to take surface temperature readings. Intended outcomes are that students will learn to use an infrared thermometer, and understand how different surfaces radiate energy. Supporting background materials for both student and teacher are included. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to introduce students to gravemetric measurements - calculating the amount of water in a soil sample or other substance by weighting it before and after drying. Full description.

This online multidisciplinary project is part of the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) program, which has developed internet activities for the elementary, middle, and high school level student. It utilizes both real time data and primary source materials to help guide students to discover the science and history of the Gulf Stream. Students investigate the driving forces ... Full description.