Water-Earth Dynamics, Challenge 3: Groundwater — Knowing What You've Got Before It's Gone

Generate Ideas

Your teacher will divide you into teams comprising four to six students to answer questions about groundwater.  Use the resources listed under "Multiple Perspectives" to help you find the answers.  When you have finished, your team will share your answers and ideas with the other students in the class.  This exercise will help you find out what you already know and identify critical gaps in your knowledge on the topic.

Essential Questions

1. What is groundwater?
2. Where is groundwater stored?
3. How does groundwater move underground?
4. How is groundwater replenished?
5. What factors influence the distribution of groundwater reservoirs?
6. How do we use groundwater as a natural resource?
7. What are some ways groundwater and surface water interact?
8. What are the similarities and the differences between the Ogallala and Edwards aquifers in Texas?
9. What are some environmental threats to groundwater supplies?
10. What practices can help conserve groundwater resources for future generations?