Focus Question
How does the particle size of soil affect how much rainwater soaks in the ground and how much runs off?

Activity Synopsis
Students will  use a jar of marbles to create a model of groundwater. They will identify groundwater, zone of saturation, zone of aeration and water table. Students will then observe and measure what happens when water is poured on samples of clay, sand and gravel to determine the effect particle size will have on the porosity and permeability of sediment. After these activities, when given the soil types of different regions of South Carolina, students will be able to predict whether the rainwater in that region is more likely to become groundwater or runoff.

Time Frame
One to two class periods.

Student Key Terms

• groundwater
• permeability
• porosity
• surface runoff
• water table
• zone of aeration
• zone of saturation

Teacher Key Terms

• aquifer
• bedrock
• clay
• impermeable surface
• particle size
• sand
• soil

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