Presentation Options from the BS/EACD Education Staff

The District's environmental education staff welcome opportunities to teach area students of all ages about the unique Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer. Several formats have been developed to facilitate learning while engaging students. You can contact us at 282-8441 (or by email) to discuss one of the following formats or a combination of components that would provide the best presentation for your students regarding our groundwater resources.

There is no charge for these programs. Typically, staff prefer to do no more than 3 presentations in the same day and to groups of no larger than 2 classes or approximately 50 children. However, our goal is to teach the students and we will work with you and your schedule to that end. When possible, staff are willing to customize a presentation based on a certain topic of interest. Previous presentations have also involved the participation of experts in watersheds and endangered species.

Slide Show

Typically comprised of 25 slides, the general presentation takes the audience on a "journey" through the aquifer. Using maps and a cross section, topics concerning the three segments of the aquifer and the hydrologic zones are covered. The audience is taken on a tour onto and into the recharge zone, while topics of recharge, cave safety, and rate of water flow are covered. Images of water wells highlight the idea of the aquifer as a water supply on its flow path towards Barton Springs pool. Images of the pool initiate a brief discussion of endangered species issues. The second part of the slide show focuses on what affects water quantity and quality in the aquifer.

Interactive groundwater model

The "ant farm" design of this model brings a cross section to life. Initially, the audience is encouraged to understand the models components and how those are alike or different from the Edwards aquifer. Demonstration of the model includes injection of several dyes into it and observation over time of how that dye behaves in the system. The aquifer model can be pumped through wells, with results that touch topics of draw down, recovery, and connectivity of wells and water table dynamics. All concepts are related to the real system of the Edwards aquifer.

Discovering Aquifer Difference

This scientific exploration activity is hands-on and self-directed. Students are grouped into teams of 4-5 and work at stations. Each team is provided needed equipment, a datasheet, and instructions. Students build two different aquifers and then conduct three experiments on their aquifers to make observations about rate of water flow and the behavior of pollution. Datasheets are provided that encourage students to document a hypothesis, record their data, and record observations proving or disproving their hypothesis. A pre-activity background reading can be provided.

Incredible Edible Aquifer

Borrowed from educators in Orange County, California, this activity is excellent for younger grades. Students build an aquifer using ice and lemon-lime soda in small, clear cups. Through a layer of ice cream to represent soil, students drill a well and pump their aquifers. Often, an abbreviated version of the slide show with key images of the aquifer is shown before or during aquifer "construction" to emphasize concepts and provide a real-life visual for students.