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5th graders build aquifer - learn dynamics of well . . . water!

Kyla Patel

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As a way to further synthesize information for the 5th grade students with a hands on practical experience, Mrs. Fletcher chose an extension activity suggested in her Mystery Science curriculum that involved students working with a model of an aquifer.  With this model, students were able to dig a pond, drill a well, and pump water from their well using a pump from a used hand soap container.  Students used the scientific method to formulate a hypothesis, test their hypothesis via experiment, make observations, record results, and construct a conclusion.  The objective of the lesson is for students to formulate a conclusion about how we get water from our faucets by exploring and manipulating the aquifer model.  “I thought this was an excellent extension activity for students to do to further their understanding of aquifers as part of the water cycle.” Said Mrs. Fletcher. “This was a great experience for students and I feel satisfied that any 5th grader can describe how an aquifer functions.” Mrs. Fletcher stated.