IDEAS AND STEPS INVOLVED IN DESIGNING A HYDROLOGY METHODS COURSE THROUGH A NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT

The objective of this project was to conduct trial field works and lab analysis during the summer in order to develop a hydrology methods class for the following fall semester. The new course titled “Field and Laboratory Methods in Hydrology” has been designed for the students in the University of Northern Iowa as a part of a successful CCLI grant from the NSF (DUE-0836325). Both undergraduate and graduate students will be learning methods of data collection, compilation, and interpretation associated with the availability and movement of water in the geo-hydrologic systems. Besides, they will develop skills in handling state-of-the-art hydrologic equipment, including ion chromatograph, spectrophotometer, sediment analyzer, data-logger, and well purging systems. The course topics also include uncertainty in analytical procedures and margins of error in data. Although there are two full hydrology courses that are taught in the Department, the idea behind this new course is to involve students in more hands-on activities. The lecture-based, traditional hydrology courses do not allow adequate time for the students to gain expertise in the huge variety of hydrologic instruments that are currently available.

A suburban watershed, which is largely within or very close to the university campus, will be used for hydrologic field works and on-site chemical analysis of water and soil in this course. During the summer of 2009, a total of 15 sites within the watershed were repeatedly visited and sampled to assess the accessibility to sampling sites, baseline chemical data, and run times between the sites. The data on water quality and their temporal variations were used in developing thought-provoking exercises. Experimental runs were carried out in the laboratory throughout the summer to develop activities for students dealing with ground water flow simulation, ion chromatography, spectrometric analysis, and filtration procedure. Series of stock solutions and calibration curves were made to facilitate students’ understanding of analytical principles. Also, facilities and staff at places like Municipal Water Works and City Water Treatment Plant were visited to develop planned tours for students. It is expected that the new course will give the students valuable insights into the hydrologic sciences in practice.