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water resources...activities

© 2002 American Geological Institute http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations

Water Resources Activities
Activity 1 
Activity 2 
Activity 3 
Activity 4 
Activity 5 
Activity 6 
Students are challenged to prepare a report to that examines how the construction of three new developments in the community would impact the water resources of the community. 

Students will:

• Understand how the hydrosphere is a part of Earth systems. 
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence. 
• Recognize that water is an indispensable natural resource whose use and quality needs to be carefully monitored. 
• Appreciate the value of Earth science information in improving the quality of lives, globally and within the community. 

Activity 1  --  Sources of Water in the World and in Your Community

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:
1. The Water Cycle
• "The Hydrologic Cycle" - EPA 

This site includes a full color image of the water cycle and a review of the impact that humans can have on the water cycle.  Click on links to receive more detailed information on different aspects of the cycle, including evapotranspiration, infiltration, percolation, and runoff.
(http://www.epa.gov/seahome/groundwater/src/cycle.htm)
• "Natural Processes of Groundwater and Surface water Interaction: The Hydrologic Cycle and Interactions of Ground Water and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139 

Site reviews the basics of the water cycle, with a focus on the movement of water between and within ground and surface water reservoirs.  Includes several full color illustrations.  Additional information can be obtained by clicking on "Box" links.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/htdocs/natural_processes_of_ground.htm)
  Part B: Local Water Use
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:
• Water use data in your county: 
• American Water Works North American Water Utilities page 

Select your state from the scroll down list.  You will be taken to a new page.  Click on your county or municipality to open the local water quality report. You may have to do some searching to find the actual report.
(http://www.awwa.org/Links/utility.cfm)
• EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water home page 

Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information.  To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)
• USGS Water Use Data, 1995 

Print out the data directory first, as it explains the cods used for each data category.  Next, locate your state and click on the County Data File link.  This will load water use data in tab delimited "spreadsheet" format.  These files can be directly imported into spreadsheet computer programs, such as Excel.  To do this, follow the directions below:
a) With the data for your state in the browser window, select file, scroll down to save as, and save the document as text (i.e., "mystate.txt")
b) Launch Excel and open up a blank workbook.
c) In the file menu, select open.  Find your file and open it.  This will pull up a window call a "text import wizard".  Follow the options for delimited text (the delimiters are tabs).  When you are finished with the wizard, your local water use data will be in an Excel spreadsheet.
d) Save the file as an Excel file.  You can then print copies for students, transfer it to disk for use on computers in your classroom, or load it onto a school computer system.
(http://water.usgs.gov/watuse/spread95.html)
 
• Note: if your county's water use/quality data is not available online, you will need to contact your county or municipality to obtain the needed data. 
• Local topographic map 


Part D: Collecting Rain Water in Your Community
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Local annual precipitation data 
• World Climate.com 

Go to site and type in the name of your city (do not enter the name of your state).  This will open a page with a list of places with the same name.  Select your community from the list to view data.  Available data will vary with county.
(http://www.worldclimate.com)
• National Regional Climate Centers  

Click on your region.  This will open a new page.  Pages for each of the climate centers differ, so a little searching and looking around may be required.  Try to find a link to climate data.
(http://met-www.cit.cornell.edu/other_rcc.html)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about volcanic eruptions and the water cycle, visit the following web site:

• "Kinds of Volcanic Eruptions" - Volcano World 

Reviews the ways in which water interacts with volcanic eruptions.  Includes colorful photographs.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/kinds/kinds.html)
To learn more about drinking water from the ocean, visit the following web sites:
• "Seawater Desalination in California" - Pantell et al., California Coastal Commission 

Online report reviews the basics of the desalination process and how desalination has affected humans and the environment in California.
(http://www.coastal.ca.gov/desalrpt/dtitle.html#TOCDesalination)
• "MCWD Sea Water Desalination" - Marine Coast Water District, Marina, California 

Short article covers the steps of the desalination process used to assure that water is safe to drink.  Click on link to view a color graphic of the desalination process.
(http://www.mcwd.org/Desalination/desalination.html)
To learn more about dating water, visit the following web site:
• "Tracing and Dating Young Ground Water" - USGS Fact Sheet 134-99 

Site reviews the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), tritium (3H), and other chemical and isotopic substances in ground water to date water.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS/FS-134-99/)

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Activity 2  -- How Does Your Community Maintain Its Water Supply?

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Surface Water
• "Natural Processes of Groundwater and Surface water Interaction: The Hydrologic Cycle and Interactions of Ground Water and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139 

Site reviews the basics of the water cycle, with a focus on the movement of water between and within ground and surface water reservoirs.  Includes several full color illustrations.  Additional information can be obtained by clicking on "Box" links.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/htdocs/natural_processes_of_ground.htm)
• 'Surface Water" - EPA 

This site reviews the Clean Water Act and threats to the nation's surface water reservoirs.  Also includes a FAQ section with advice on finding more information.
(http://es.epa.gov/oeca/guide/surfacewater.htm)

2. Groundwater

• "Hydrogeology" - EPA 

This site introduces concepts of hydrogeology, which involves the study of water below the Earth's surface.  Click on links to find more information and images on what groundwater is, what an aquifer is, how water moves underground, and more.  "Key Terms and Concepts" link contains an extensive glossary.
(http://www.epa.gov/seahome/groundwater/src/geo.htm)
• "What is Hydrogeology?" - International Association of Hydrogeologists 

This site starts with an explanation of hydrogeology as a science.  Links at the bottom of the page provide information and images to review groundwater as a resources, pollution threats to groundwater, and steps that can be taken to protect groundwater supplies.
(http://www.iah.org/hydrogeo.htm)
• "Ground Water" - USGS 

Online publication gives a general introduction to groundwater, including how it occurs, issues relating to groundwater quality, and the status of the nation's groundwater resources.  Includes color images to illustrate concepts.  Click on unfamiliar terms to be taken to a glossary. 
(http://sr6capp.er.usgs.gov/GIP/gw_gip/)
• "Ground Water Atlas of the United States" - USGS 

Click on your region of the map to open a new window that will contain links to a summary of groundwater in the area and information about each of the primary aquifers in that region.
(http://capp.water.usgs.gov/gwa/gwa.html)

3. Desalination

• "Seawater Desalination in California" - Pantell et al., California Coastal Commission 

Online report reviews the basics of the desalination process and how desalination has affected humans and the environment in California.
(http://www.coastal.ca.gov/desalrpt/dtitle.html#TOCDesalination)
• "MCWD Sea Water Desalination" - Marine Coast Water District, Marina, California 

Short article covers the steps of the desalination process used to assure that water is safe to drink.  Click on link to view a color graphic of the desalination process.
(http://www.mcwd.org/Desalination/desalination.html)
4. Water Conservation
• "How Can I Help To Protect My Drinking Water Supply?" - EPA 

This site introduces programs currently in progress to protect the nation's water supply and suggestions for communities that wish to get involved in water conservation and protection.
(http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/wot/howcan.html)
• "How to Conserve Water and Use It Effectively" - EPA Office of Water 

This chapter from an online document (Cleaner Water Through Conservation) discusses a number of water conservation practices for residential, industrial/commercial, and agricultural users.  Chapter addresses conservation issues and costs associated with dealing with these issues.
(http://www.epa.gov/OW/you/chap3.html)
• "Citizen's Guide to Groundwater Protection" - EPA 

Online guide provides information and suggestions for ways that the community can become involved in the protection of groundwater sources.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/protect/citguide.html)


Part C: Water Supply in Your Community
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Community water quality report: 
• American Water Works North American Water Utilities page 

Select your state from the scroll down list.  You will be taken to a new page.  Click on your county or municipality to open the local water quality report. You may have to do some searching to find the actual report.
(http://www.awwa.org/utility.cfm)
• EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water home page 

Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information.  To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)


To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about the first American reservoirs and groundwater systems, visit the following web sites:

• "Water in Colorado - A Brief History & Review of Water Resources" - The Water Information Program 

(http://www.waterinfo.org/basin.html)

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Activity 3  --  Using and Conserving Water
 

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Types of Water Use
• "Water Supply and Demand" - EPA 

This site reviews the distribution of water on Earth and how water is used in the United States, including agricultural, industrial, and household usage.
(http://www.epa.gov/seahome/groundwater/src/supply.htm)
• "Water on Tap: A Consumer's Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water" - EPA 

This online booklet provides information on a variety of topics related to drinking water, including the quality of drinking water in the U.S., where water comes from, how much drinking water is used in the typical home, the future of water resources in the U.S., and steps that can be taken to protect the nation's drinking water.
(http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/wot/introtap.html)
• "How We Use Water in These United States" - EPA Office of Water 

This chapter from an online document (Cleaner Water Through Conservation) reviews water use in the United States, including overall national trends and use by category (municipal/public supply, domestic and commercial, industrial and mining, agricultural, and thermoelectric power)
(http://www.epa.gov/OW/you/chap1.html)

Part B: Water Use in Your Community
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:
• Water use data for county and a nearby county: 
• EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water home page 

Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information.  To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)
• USGS Water Use Data, 1995 

Print out the data directory first, as it explains the cods used for each data category.  Next, locate your state and click on the County Data File link.  This will load water use data in tab delimited "spreadsheet" format.  These files can be directly imported into spreadsheet computer programs, such as Excel.  To do this, follow the directions below:
a) With the data for your state in the browser window, select file, scroll down to save as, and save the document as text (i.e., "mystate.txt")
b) Launch Excel and open up a blank workbook.
c) In the file menu, select open.  Find your file and open it.  This will pull up a window call a "text import wizard".  Follow the options for delimited text (the delimiters are tabs).  When you are finished with the wizard, your local water use data will be in an Excel spreadsheet.
d) Save the file as an Excel file.  You can then print copies for students, transfer it to disk for use on computers in your classroom, or load it onto a school computer system.
(http://water.usgs.gov/watuse/spread95.html)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about water use in the home, visit the following web sites:
• "Household Water Usage" - EPA 

Pie chart outlines the percentages of water that different activities in the home use.
(http://www.epa.gov/seahome/groundwater/src/supply.htm#home)
• "How Much Drinking Water Do We Use In Our Homes?" - EPA 

This site reviews water usage rates at different times of the day, in different locations, and water conservation ideas.
(http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/wot/howmuch.html)

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Activity 4  --  Water Supply and Demand: Water Budgets

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Natural Fluctuations in Water Resources
• "Water Supply and Demand" - EPA 

This site reviews the distribution of water on Earth and how water is used in the United States, including agricultural, industrial, and household usage.
(http://www.epa.gov/seahome/groundwater/src/supply.htm)
• "Natural Processes of Groundwater and Surface water Interaction: The Hydrologic Cycle and Interactions of Ground Water and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139 

Site reviews the basics of the water cycle, with a focus on the movement of water between and within ground and surface water reservoirs.  Includes several full color illustrations. Additional information can be obtained by clicking on "Box" links.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/htdocs/natural_processes_of_ground.htm)
• "Challenges and Opportunities" - USGS Circular 1139 

Site discusses the issues related to water management and policy, including water supply, water quality, and characteristics of aquatic environments.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/htdocs/challenges.htm)
• "Water on Tap: A Consumer's Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water" - EPA 

This online booklet provides information on a variety of topics related to drinking water, including the quality of drinking water in the U.S., where water comes from, how much drinking water is used in the typical home, the future of water resources in the U.S., and steps that can be taken to protect the nation's drinking water.
(http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/wot/introtap.html)
• "Water-Managing a National Resource" - USGS  

Reviews steps the USGS takes to be efficient in managing the nation's water supply.
(http://water.usgs.gov/wid/html/wtrmgt.html)
Part A: Your Local Water Budget
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:
• Internet access (or printouts of monthly temperature and precipitation data for the community): 
• World Climate.com 

Go to site and type in the name of your city (do not enter the name of your state).  This will open a page with a list of places with the same name.  Select your community from the list to view data.  Available data will vary with county.
(http://www.worldclimate.com)
• National Regional Climate Centers  

Click on your region.  This will open a new page.  Pages for each of the climate centers differ, so a little searching and looking around may be required.  Try to find a link to climate data.
(http://met-www.cit.cornell.edu/other_rcc.html)
• Graph paper 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about the Ogallala Aquifer, visit the following web sites:
• "The Ogallala Aquifer" - Red River Authority of Texas 

Reviews the initial formation of the aquifer and the current problems facing the aquifer's use as a supply for water.
(http://www.rra.dst.tx.us/gw/Ogallala_1.cfm)
• "High Plains Regional Ground Water (HPGW) Study" - USGS 

(http://webserver.cr.usgs.gov/nawqa/hpgw/HPGW_home.html)

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Activity 5  --  Water Pollution

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Pollution in Surface Water and Groundwater
• ''Effects of Human Activities on the Interaction of Groundwater and Surface Water" - USGS Circular 1139 

Reviews the effects agricultural development, urban and industrial development, drainage of the land surface, modifications to river valleys, and modifications to the atmosphere have on groundwater and surface water, including pollution and disturbance of flow paths.  Site includes several color images.  Includes links to case studies on the effects of irrigation, nitrate contamination, pesticide application, the increase of water levels in surface reservoirs, vegetation removal, and acid rain on water reservoirs.
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/htdocs/effects_of_human_activities_on_t.htm#human)
• "Arsenic in Groundwater Resources of the United States" - USGS Fact Sheet 063-00 

This site discusses arsenic concentrations in potable water across the U.S.  Includes a map that shows arsenic concentrations in groundwater of the United States.
(http://co.water.usgs.gov/trace/pubs/fs-063-00/)
• "Ground Water Studies" - USGS Fact Sheet 058-95 

Contains a review of the threats to our nation's water supply and the steps the USGS is taking to minimize the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by human activities on groundwater supplies.
(http://water.usgs.gov/wid/html/GW.html)
• "National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data" - USGS 

Online publication contains links that describe the basic techniques of water resource investigations, including water sampling.  Click on links to open table of contents for a chapter on the particular technique.  One chapter is devoted to preparations for water sampling, including tips on materials to take into the field, tips on field trip responsibilities, and advice on how to select sampling sites.  There is is also a chapter that reviews the techniques involved in the actual process of collecting water samples.
(http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/index.html)
• "Current Drinking Water Standards" - EPA 

Table outlines the EPA's standards for safe drinking water, defining levels of contaminants and listing possible sources of these contaminants.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html)
• "San Francisco Bay Program: Lessons Learned for Managing Coastal Water Resources" - USGS 

Fact sheet reveiws how USGS research helped to gain a greater understanding of how humans and water use in a coastal area affected the ecosystem and steps the USGS has implemented to reduce human impacts in the Bay area.
(http://water.usgs.gov/wid/html/sfb.html)


To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about local water quality, visit the following web sites:
• USGS Local Offices for Water Resources home page (click on your state to find local water office) 

http://water.usgs.gov/wrd002.html
• American Water Works North American Water Utilities page 

Select your state from the scroll down list.  You will be taken to a new page.  Click on your county or municipality to open the local water quality report. You may have to do some searching to find the actual report.
(http://www.awwa.org/utility.cfm)
• EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water home page 

Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information.  To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)

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Activity 6  --  Water Treatment

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Water Treatment
• "Drinking Water Treatment" - EPA 

Online fact sheet reviews the steps water goes through before it is considered safe for drinking.  Three page document can be printed and distributed to students.  Note that file is in PDF format, so you must have Adobe Acrobat to view.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/treatment.pdf)
• "Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water" - EPA 

This site gives a brief overview of the steps to take to disinfect water if their is an emergency supply shortage.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html)
• "Current Drinking Water Standards" - EPA 

Table outlines the EPA's standards for safe drinking water, defining levels of contaminants and listing possible sources of these contaminants.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html)
• "Contaminant Transport in Massachusetts Bay" - USGS 

Site shows how scientists at the USGS used  information about the distribution, severity, and fate of contaminated sediments in the Massachusetts Bay to help in making informed management decisions about multiple uses of a coastal environment, including water treatment issues.
(http://marine.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/mass/mass-bay.html)

Part C: Water Treatment in Your Community
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Copy of your community's water quality report: 
• American Water Works North American Water Utilities page 

Select your state from the scroll down list.  You will be taken to a new page.  Click on your county or municipality to open the local water quality report. You may have to do some searching to find the actual report.
(http://www.awwa.org/utility.cfm)
• EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water home page 

Click on your state to be taken to a new page that gives an overview of your state's drinking water and links to additional information.  To view your water quality report, click on the "water quality report" link to view a list of reports that are available online.
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)
 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about recycling water in space, visit the following web sites:

• "Water on the Space Station" - NASA 

(http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast02nov_1.htm)
• "Space Station Water Purification System Passes Test with Flying Colors" - NASA 

(http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/NEWSROOM/news/releases/1997/97-065.html)
To learn more about desalination, visit the following web sites:
• "Seawater Desalination in California" - Pantell et al., California Coastal Commission 

Online report reviews the basics of the desalination process and how desalination has affected humans and the environment in California.
(http://www.coastal.ca.gov/desalrpt/dtitle.html#TOCDesalination)
• "MCWD Sea Water Desalination" - Marine Coast Water District, Marina, California 

Short article covers the steps of the desalination process used to assure that water is safe to drink.  Click on link to view a color graphic of the desalination process.
(http://www.mcwd.org/Desalination/desalination.html)
To learn more about different water analyses, visit the following web sites:
• "Ground Water Studies" - USGS Fact Sheet 058-95 

Contains a review of the threats to our nation's water supply and the steps the USGS is taking to minimize the effects of natural hazards and environmental damage caused by human activities on groundwater supplies.
(http://water.usgs.gov/wid/html/GW.html)
• "National Field Manual for the Collection of Water Quality Data" - USGS 

Online publication contains links that describe the basic techniques of water resource investigations, including water sampling.  Click on links to open table of contents for a chapter on the particular technique.  One chapter is devoted to preparations for water sampling, including tips on materials to take into the field, tips on field trip responsibilities, and advice on how to select sampling sites.  There is is also a chapter that reviews the techniques involved in the actual process of collecting water samples.
(http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/index.html)

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Resources:

Web Sites:

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) home page  

http://www.usgs.gov
• USGS Water Resources home page 

http://water.usgs.gov/
• USGS Local Offices for Water Resources home page (click on your state to find local water office) 

http://water.usgs.gov/wrd002.html
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) home page 

http://www.epa.gov/
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water home page 

http://www.epa.gov/owow/
• General Drinking Water - EPA Publications List 

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/Pubs/general.html
• "Cleaner Water Through Conservation" - EPA Office of Water 

http://www.epa.gov/OW/you/intro.html
• "Drinking Water Glossary: A Dictionary of Technical and Legal Terms Related to Drinking Water" - EPA 

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/Pubs/gloss2.html
• American Institute of Hydrology home page 

http://www.aihydro.org/
• American Institute of Hydrology Water Links page 

http://www.aihydro.org/links.htm
• International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) home page 

http://www.iah.org/
• American Geophysical Union (AGU) Science for Everyone page 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyone.html
• The Groundwater Foundation home page  

http://www.groundwater.org/
• On-Line Water Related Circulars home page - USGS 

http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/
• The Association of Drinking Water Administrators home page 

http://www.asdwa.org/

Maps:

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 

 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
• MapServer offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos). (www.maptech.com and www.mapserver.maptech.com) 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html) 
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?) 

Videos:

American Water Works Association: The Hydrologic Cycle: Water in Motion and Professor Water: Fantastic Facts About H2O

 

Books: 

• A Consumer's Guide to Water Conservation - Dozens of Ways to Save Water, the Environment, and a Lot of Money, Mark Obmascik, 1993,  American Water Works Association, 72 p.  
• The Drinking Water Dictionary, 2000, American Water Works Association, 516 p.  
• Plain Talk About Drinking Water - Questions and Answers About the Water You Drink, Third Edition, 1997, American Water Works Association, 238 p.  
• Source Water Assessment & Protection Booklet, The Groundwater Foundation (available FOC) 
• Drinking Water Source Assessment & Protection Workshop Guide, The Groundwater Foundation (available FOC) 

Magazines:

• Geotimes.  Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students). 

(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)
• Excellent sources of high-school level articles are in both National Geographic (which often has maps), and Science News 

(describing the most recent and interesting events in scientific research.)