Where does the water go?

Where Does the Water Go?
Part II - Runoff

Objective

The student will observe and describe how plants and mulch help prevent soil erosion by simulating rainfall on covered and uncovered soil.

4-6

Grade Level:

1-3

TEKS Objectives

S. 1.10A,B
2.10A,B
3.3C S

S. 4.3C
4.5A
5.3C
5.11A

TAAS Objectives

Reading
Writing
Math

1, 2, 5
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Materials and Equipment

1.	3 disposable aluminum baking pans, 3" deep, approximately 12"X 20".
2.	Enough soil to fill all 3 boxes.
3.	3 pint or quart sized jars.
4.	Grass clippings
5.	12" x 20" piece of grass sod (trimmed to 1" thick)
6.	Sprinkling can

Assessment

1.	Teacher guided discussion.
2.	Grades 4-6 can read the Background Information and complete Erosion Quiz.
3.	Have students research and write an informative paper on one of the following subjects:
	• Dust Bowl • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service • Cultural Practices Farmers Use to Control Erosion Including: • Conservation Tillage, Contour Plowing, Terracing, etc.