This lesson enables students to explore how water moves through the hydrologic cycle, eventually making its way to their drinking glasses. They will explore the components of Earth's hydrosphere, including surface and subsurface features, and prepare a diagram illustrating the path their drinking water follows as it cycles from the place of precipitation to their own faucets or taps. Assessment materials, ... Full description.

This USGS site contains very useful descriptions about many aspects of ground water. The major topics include Ground Water, How Ground Water Occurs, Quality of Ground Water, Appraising the Nation's Ground-Water Resources, and a Glossary. This is a non-technical site, designed for use by the general public. Several charts and diagrams are also included in this site. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to measure the conductivity of water at a freshwater hydrology site. Students calibrate and take electrical conductivity measurements using an electrical conductivity meter. Students estimate the total dissolved solids from the electrical conductivity measurements. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to become familiar with the hydrology of your locale. Students will study and visit the Hydrology Study Site, conduct a visual survey to discover information about local land cover, water quality, and document their findings. They will use this initial investigation to raise questions about local land cover and/or water chemistry issues that may require further investigation. ... Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to have students learn to use the hydrology instruments and collect the hydrology data accurately. In the classroom, students practice using the instruments or kits for protocols, exploring the range of measurements and sources of variation and error. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to sample, identify, and count macroinvertebrates at a Hydrology Site. Students collect, sort, identify, and count macroinvertebrates from habitats at their site. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to measure the temperature of a water sample. Students use an alcohol-filled thermometer or meter to measure the temperature of water. The meter requires calibration before use; the accuracy of the thermometer needs to be checked before use. 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 resource is to determine the transparency of water. Students measure water transparency at their undisturbed study site using a transparency tube or Secchi disk. Full description.

The purpose of this resource is to measure the salinity of the water using a salinity titration kit. Students will measure the salinity of saltwater using a salinity titration kit. Full description.