This lesson and activity focus on watersheds and how they operate. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a river system. As the water moves downward, it forms streams and rivers. The channeling and pooling of water is determined by the shape or topography of the land. Water continues to move downward, and rivers may join with lakes or other rivers as they head toward the ocean.<\/p>\n
Grade Level: <\/b>4-8\u00a0grades<\/p>\n
Performance Expectations:<\/strong><\/p>\n For alignment, see: Exploring Watersheds NGSS Summary<\/a><\/p>\n All life depends on water, but clean water is about more than just survival \u2014 exceptional lakes and streams are part of what makes Michigan special. No point in Michigan is more than six miles from an inland lake or stream, or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes. Michigan\u2019s abundant freshwater supports a vibrant recreation and tourism industry, supplies clean water for agriculture and manufacturing, and enhances the quality of life for all residents. Where does that water come from? Why, our watersheds, of course!<\/p>\n The land that catches rain or snow and funnels the water towards a single river is known as the watershed of that river. A watershed can also be called a river basin, catchment or drainage basin. Watershed boundaries \u2014 or drainage divides \u2014 are high points in the landscape. Rainwater that lands within a river\u2019s watershed will flow down toward that river; rainwater that lands outside a river\u2019s watershed will flow to a different river.<\/p>\n For more information on watersheds in Michigan, see: An Introduction to Michigan Watersheds: A Guide for Teachers, Students and Residents<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This lesson and activity focus on watersheds and how they operate. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a river system. As the water moves downward, it forms streams and rivers. The channeling and pooling of water is determined by the shape or topography of the land. Water continues to move downward, and rivers may join with lakes or other rivers as they head toward the ocean.<\/p> Grade Level: <\/b>4-8th<\/sup> grades<\/p> Performance Expectations:<\/strong><\/p> For alignment, see: NGSS Summary<\/a><\/p> All life depends on water, but clean water is about more than just survival \u2014 exceptional lakes and streams are part of what makes Michigan special. No point in Michigan is more than six miles from an inland lake or stream, or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes. Michigan\u2019s abundant freshwater supports a vibrant recreation and tourism industry, supplies clean water for agriculture and manufacturing, and enhances the quality of life for all residents. Where does that water come from? Why, our watersheds, of course!<\/p> The land that catches rain or snow and funnels the water towards a single river is known as the watershed of that river. A watershed can also be called a river basin, catchment or drainage basin. Watershed boundaries \u2014 or drainage divides \u2014 are high points in the landscape. Rainwater that lands within a river\u2019s watershed will flow down toward that river; rainwater that lands outside a river\u2019s watershed will flow to a different river.<\/p> For more information on watersheds in Michigan, see: An Introduction to Michigan Watersheds: A Guide for Teachers, Students and Residents<\/a>.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\n
Lesson Objectives<\/h2>\n
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Background<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nActivity<\/h2>\n
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<\/b><\/a>Summary<\/b>: Students collaboratively build models of watersheds by placing a large piece of butcher paper over various sized objects in a large pan. As students spray their model watersheds with water, they observe and mark on their map the movement and pooling representing rivers, lakes and ponds.
Time<\/b>: Two 50-minute class periods (100 minutes)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLesson Objectives<\/h2>
Background<\/h2>
<\/p>Activity<\/h2>