Sand Tank Groundwater Model Grant Program

Announcement of Teacher Training Using Groundwater Flow Models
for the Year 2001-2002

Through wellhead protection funds provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the United States Environmental Protection Agency, twenty-four groundwater flow models will be awarded to Wisconsin schools. The model is a plexiglass tank filled with sand that enables students to "see" groundwater – Wisconsin’s “buried treasure.”

Which schools are eligible to receive these models?

Wisconsin schools serving students in grades 6-12 are eligible. Two teachers from a school must complete a two-page application form describing how they would use the model in their classrooms. If selected to receive a model for their school, the two teachers must attend a one-day workshop in February 2002 at which they will be given the model and learn how to use it. This announcement is being sent to schools in counties near the two training sites: Eau Claire and Green Bay.

Why should your school teach about groundwater?

Groundwater supplies 70% of Wisconsin’s drinking water. This valuable resource is vulnerable to contamination from local land use activities. Teaching students - and their parents - to protect groundwater in their own communities can lead to real improvements in local groundwater quality.

Groundwater concepts "aren't just for science anymore" - they can be incorporated into various subject areas, including math, social studies, language arts, home economics, and art.

What benefits are there to schools who participate in the program?

	Schools will receive a sand-tank groundwater flow model to keep at no cost. These models sell for $350.
	Schools will receive $75 per participating teacher to cover the cost of a substitute teacher. Lunch will be provided for participants.
	Teachers will receive ready-to-use classroom materials, and training on groundwater concepts and use of the groundwater model.
	Teachers will share ideas with others and return to the classroom ready to teach about groundwater.

What commitments must teachers make who participate in the program?

Two teachers from one school must submit an application. These teachers will be asked to:

	participate in a training session to learn to use the model and to share ideas with other teachers in February 2002;
	prepare a plan for using the model in the classroom;
	demonstrate the model and do at least two related activities with 15 or more students by April 2002;
	use at least one activity that has a "take-home" component to increase parent awareness;
	perform some assessment of student learning; and
	complete and submit a two-page written evaluation during May 2002.

How will model recipients be selected?

Committees of DNR staff and UW-Extension basin educators will select recipients of the groundwater models in December 2001. Criteria will include:

	classes, grade levels and number of students who will benefit;
	geographic distribution;
	availability of models locally;
	intent to infuse groundwater information into existing curriculum, and to include an activity that will involve parents as well;
	and commitment to attend one of the training sessions.

The teachers chosen to receive the models and the training will be notified in mid-December 2001.

Who will conduct the training sessions?

Faculty and staff from the UW-Stevens Point Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center, and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey will conduct the workshop with assistance from DNR staff and UW-Extension basin educators.

When and where will the training session be held?

The training sessions will be Tuesday, February 5th at Beaver Creek Reserve near Eau Claire; Wednesday, February 6th at Beaver Creek Reserve near Eau Claire; and Tuesday, February 12th at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. The sessions run from 9 am-4 pm. Teachers only need to attend one session.

What was the timeline for this project?

	November 15, 2001: Applications due
	December 18, 2001: Teachers receiving groundwater models and training will be notified
	February 5, 2002: Training session at Beaver Creek Reserve near Eau Claire
	February 6, 2002: Training session at Beaver Creek Reserve near Eau Claire
	February 7, 2002: Snow date for February 5th & 6th sessions
	February 12, 2002: Training session at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay
	February 13, 2002: Snow date for February 12th session
	January - April 2002: Teachers will conduct and evaluate activities in their classes
	May 2002: Teachers will be contacted by letter to evaluate the program
	May-June 2002: Schools will receive reimbursement for substitute teachers upon receipt of evaluation report

Why is the DNR making this program available?

Groundwater is Wisconsin’s buried treasure. The DNR is committed to protecting this valuable resource. Wellhead protection planning is one way a community can make sure its water supply is safe from contamination. It is the Department’s hope that, by educating students and parents, communities will be able to make more informed decisions about protecting their water supply.

Interested in reading more? Check out DNR's February 2001 press release regarding the January 2001 workshops.

Teachers from 25 schools answered "yes" to this question last year, and they were awarded a groundwater flow model. The model is a plexiglass tank filled with sand that enables students to "see" groundwater – Wisconsin’s “buried treasure.”
To learn more about the Groundwater Grant Program and Teacher Workshops for 2001-2002, read the following announcement, or request or download a workshop grant application.