Eyes on the Hydrosphere: Tracking Water Resources

Jonathan Harvey, Rebecca Walker, Geodesy Tools for Societal Issues

This module introduces students to the basics of the hydrologic cycle in a way that engages them with both societal challenges related to water and methods for measuring the water system. In the final exercise, students are able to investigate water resources in a region of interest to them.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Students will need guidance from the educator to outline exactly which resources the students should focus on for the homework and in-class activities. Explicit teaching tips are included for each section and include information about the amount of time each activity takes as well as how long certain datasets may take to load. There is extensive background material included which may take some time for teachers and students to work through before lessons.
This resource includes 3 units related to the hydrologic (water) cycle and techniques that scientists use to measure the hydrologic cycle. Citations are appropriate and include sources such as NOAA, GRACE and USGS. This is a strong unit that brings in data and various analysis methods for students to work through in order to better understand the water cycle. The data used in the module includes both traditional (ex. stream gages) and geodetic methods (ex. gravity satellites). Students also use real data to identify trends and extremes in precipitation and water storage. This curriculum includes text and video resources, as well as scientific datasets. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
In this activity, classroom participation is encouraged with discussion and a "wall tour" activity. Unit 1 and 2 include numerous optional reading materials that are embedded in lessons outside of the original water cycle curriculum. Consider assigning specific resources that are most important to teaching objectives. This resource is pedagogically well-supported for both teachers and students. It includes a webinar for teachers, well-organized and formulated lessons, and a resource page for students to find what they need for each lesson. This lesson includes individual and group work, reading, reflection, and working with data on the computer.