Science Labs

School Water Budget Kit

Grade Level:
High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
Subject:
Science
State Standards:
Hawaii State Science Standards:
SC.ES.8.1 Forces that Shape the Earth

Standard textbook illustrations of the water cycle can lead students to believe that the pathways in which water travels through the water cycle are simple and circular when in reality, such pathways are long, indirect and often complicated by human interferences. Many students do not have the ability to transfer the concepts portrayed in these diagrams to their own communities and lives. 

The following activities replace the traditional way of teaching the water cycle by identifying how surfaces in the schoolyard influence the pathways water takes after a precipitation event. By exploring the water cycle as it occurs at their school, the learning becomes place-based and relevant to the culture of the school. 
Time Required: 3 class periods
This kit is one of three STEM kits about water science offered by the park. They can be completed in any order or individually, though the following order is recommended: 
 

 

Learning Objectives:

This hands-on activity shows you how to quantify the amount of water that enters your school grounds and prompts you to compare these inputs to use and outputs. The result is a "school water budget" that will surely lead to a dynamic class discussion. 
 

How to request a kit:

Kits are available for loan to schools from Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park on the island of Hawaiʻi. The park has one classroom set of materials for loan to teachers. Contact the park at (808) 329-6881 x1329, Jon_Jokiel@nps.gov.  

Number of Kits per Set:  1

Student Group Size: 30

 

About the partnership:

The kit and activities are the result of a collaboration between the Colorado State University, College of Natural Sciences Educatoin and Outreach Center and the National Park Service. Through this partnership, CSU has developed a pre-visit, syn-visit and post-visit hands-on STEM activities for students grades 6th - 12th. The goal is to create place-based and culturally relevant STEM experiences that help students understand the science behind critical regional issues. More information about the partnership and activities and materials included in the kits are on CSU’s website : www.cns-eoc.colostate.edu/schoolwaterbudget.html

Lesson Plans

Last updated: February 28, 2019