Groundwater: Explore, Understand, and Protect is a newly-created program designed to help teachers educate students about how earth science is currently being practiced locally, both in the field and laboratory. Students have the opportunity to perform various tests in the field, at the University of Waterloo, and even at their own school.
The program is a blend of field and laboratory work, with packaged pre/post trip documents, all tied directly to the curriculum, specifically SES 4UI but can be applied to other courses (See below for specifics).
How does the program work?
There are 3 optional components to the program:
- Pre-trip class activities
- The field trip
- Post-trip class activities
Each component can be completed separately but to get the most out of the program we recommend the complete package.
Program Details
Field component includes:
A seepage meter test and stream study where the students will use the scientific method to learn about Earth processes and water flow through Earth materials. Field trip can be located at either Laurel Creek, on the North part of Waterloo or Blair Creek in the South.
Lab/Museum component includes:
Observing, touching and describing a soil core that was extracted in Waterloo. Students will see and feel the difference between various earth materials and get the sense of how intricate Earth history can be.
Students will observe and interact with a cross-sectional representation of our local geology. This cross section contains a variety of earth substrates and includes human elements like wells or leaky storage tanks. Students can observe what happens to groundwater flow through various materials and how they can make decisions to protect water sources.
Pre/Post trip material includes
- Porosity lab
- Permeability lab
- Grand River Geoscape activities
Pre-made class kits with laboratory supplies are available for loan to interested teachers.
Other Program Details
- The program and program materials are free
- UW Earth Science Lab tours are available upon request
- Program can be adjusted to individual class needs, and the advanced High Skills Major program.
How to book a tour
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- Class Kits can be borrowed from the Earth Sciences Museum or OEE centers. Kits will be delivered to the school.
- Program and class activity downloads are free and available to all teachers.
Who are we?
We are three groups whose passion involves Earth Science and education:
- The Geochemistry, Groundwater and Remediation Group in the Earth & Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Waterloo (UWaterloo).
- The Earth Sciences Museum at the UWaterloo.
- Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) with the Waterloo Regional District School Board.
For more information:
Please visit or call the following organizations:
Outdoor Ed Guys
Levi Moore – 519 632 7503
Earth Sciences Museum
Corina McDonald – 519 888 4567 x35633
Geochemistry Groundwater Remediation Group
Susan Callan – 519 888 4567 x37239