THE UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF AMERICA’S GROUNDWATER RESOURCES VIEWED FROM NGSS MS-ESS3-1

In collaboration with preservice Integrated Science K-8 teachers, we developed a lesson addressing NGSS MS-ESS3-1: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distribution of resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes. This 5E, inquiry-based lesson is focused on groundwater and relies heavily on readily available online resources, especially from the U.S. Geological Survey. Small student teams constructed materials for one of the 5E components. Students also worked in pairs to investigate one of 12 aquifers; these aquifers were carefully selected to demonstrate a range of characteristics. Engage activities accessed prior knowledge on how aquifers are formed, the influence of climate, the quantity and uses of water, and if the resources are sustainable. Several Explore activities construct student knowledge on common lithologies of aquifers and aquicludes, porosity and permeability, water pathways using groundwater flow models, aquifer volumes, and water uses. In Explain, we used several infographics to stress key aspects of aquifers, unequal distribution and demand, and sustainability. To elaborate, the students used a set of guiding questions and claims, evidence, and reasoning to evaluate the sustainability of their aquifer. Connecting reasoning to the evidence was the greatest challenge. Students’ claims, evidence, and reasoning were reported on a standard template and evaluated with a rubric. Class presentations served as an additional Evaluate. All materials are available in a shared Google drive. Special thanks to the 24 students in the GEO 202 class at GVSU in winter 2021.