Water Cycle

Water Science for Schools, U.S. Geological Survey. This site offers abundant information about water divided into (1) Earth's water, which includes a great summary of the water cycle, and information about where water occurs on the earth, (2) Water basics, which includes information about the physical and chemical properties of water and an interesting true-false quiz, (3) Water-use information, (4) Water Q and A, (5) Special Topics, which includes information about water issues such as acid rain, (6) Picture Gallery, in which pictures are divided into categories so that they won't take too long to load, and an (7) Activity Center, which has a questionnaire, opinion surveys, and challenge questions about water. The activities can be posted electronically and the USGS plans to compare results between states and countries. There is also a way to obtain a water science certificate of completion.

Exploring the Environment, NASA. A NASA Classroom of the Future, provides a Water Quality module for middle and high school students under Modules and Activities. The module provides data from a case study of water quality in Wheeling Creek, and provides background information on the water cycle, hydrosphere, methods of water monitoring, forms of pollution, and the importance of water.

Explore the GLOBE—Hydrology lnvestigation, NASA. The GLOBE site is an interactive site that lets teachers and students from 4000 schools in 55 countries work with research scientists exploring our planet. The Hydrology investigation contains background material, suggestions for hands-on field-based investigations and data collections. Protocols include how to design a hydrology investigation, collecting water samples, testing for water clarity, temperature, pH, and other attributes. This site is aimed at classrooms that want to collect and exchange data, so is probably more suited to 8-12 grade classrooms. Several other science investigations are offered.

Project WET. Water Education Teacher Groups. This project is ongoing and designed to promote the awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources through the development and dissemination of classroom ready teaching aids and through the establishment of state and internationally sponsored Project WET programs. The site provides a list of activities, short course schedules, and ways to have your class become project members.

Kentucky Water Watch. Kentucky Division of Water. This site provides information about how to get your class involved in water quality monitoring, and community education. Also provides an annual poster and essay contest for students.