Ogallala Aquifer Teaching Activities

Summary: The Ogallala aquifer is the most prominent aquifer in Kansas. Farmers, ranchers, and communities across western Kansas use the underground water source every day. However, years of pumping have drained the Ogallala and its status is in jeopardy. These activities are designed for a middle and high school audience and teach students how aquifers are formed, where Kansans get their water, and how we can achieve sustainable pumping of our aquifers.

Standards: 4-ESS2-2, MS-ESS3-1. MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, HS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS3-6

Aquifers of Kansas Video: A short documentary detailing the aquifers of Kansas and how they were formed. (MS and HS)
Aquifers of Kansas Video Companion Worksheet (.pdf)

Map Activity: Students read a Kansas precipitation map and a county water source map. Students will understand where their water comes from, how sources of water differ across the state, and how precipitation affects our water sources. (ES, MS, and HS)
Aquifer Map Activity Worksheet (.docx)
Aquifer Map Activity Supplement (.docx)

Aquifer Model: Students build their own aquifer model using sand, a bucket, a toilet paper roll, and a soap pump. Students will understand how water can be stored underground and how scientists measure the depth of water in aquifers. They can experiment with different types of pumps or soil material to understand the effects of those variables on underground water. (MS and HS)
Aquifer Model Activity Worksheet (.pdf)

Aquifer Well Level Analysis: Students will study the High Plains aquifer map and chart changing water levels over the past half century. This activity uses the High Plains Aquifer Interactive Atlas, which contains decades of data gathered from more than 1,400 wells across the state. Students will need a computer. (HS)
High Plains Aquifer Interactive Atlas
Tracking Human Impact on the High Plains Aquifer Activity Worksheet (.docx)

Further Info:
Aquifers in Kansas