The following lesson includes recommendations for adding an
additional layer of difficulty for more advanced classes.
Objective: Learn about New Jersey’s water supply and why water
conservation is important. Materials: two empty plastic cups;
one cup each of rocks, gravel, and sand; tap water; Water Wisdom
Student Worksheet 3 Time required: 40 minutes 1. Place two clear
plastic cups on a table at the front of the class. Ask students
to create three layers of sediment in one of the cups: rocks
(bottom), gravel (middle), sand (top). The cup should be filled
2/3 of the way. Fill the other cup with tap water. 2. Pour the
tap water (slowly) into the sediment-filled cup. Ask students to
write down their observations: Does the water flow more quickly
through certain layers? Can you see the water in between the
rocks, gravel, or sand? (Advanced classes: Separate students
into teams for this activity. Have each team make a hypothesis
before starting.) Using the Student Worksheet: 3. Write the word
aquifer on the board