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Lesson 1 “Watershed” Takeaways

Students will leave the lesson with an understanding of the following:

  • A watershed is a geographic area where all water, from rain and snowmelt to streams and springs, drains into a common outlet such as a river, lake, or ocean.
  • How water flows from gravity from higher elevations to lower areas.

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Materials Needed:

Brought in by Docents:

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Supplies in Lab:

  • Kinetic Sand
  • Trays
  • Marbles

To be Printed:

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Mattos Science Magnet�Docent Program

Watershed�5th Grade

Science Snippets Series �designed by Math Science Nucleus

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Activity 1 –Watershed Map of Area

a. Find the cities of Newark, Fremont, Union City�b.  what is the difference between the brown, light blue and dark blue lines on the map  (make sure they see the legend).  �c.   Find East, West, North, South  (east is where the East Bay Hills are, Mission Peak)�d.  how does the water flow�e.  locate:  Tule Ponds and Lake Elizabeth

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Storm drains (light blue on the map)

after a rain

almost dry

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What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a geographic area where all water, from rain and snowmelt to streams and springs, drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

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Components of Watershed

  • All streams drain to common main stream
  • Flows by gravity
  • Goes into another body of water

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Components of Watershed

  • Based on the principle of gravity
  • Water always flows from higher to lower

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Size of watersheds varies depending on scale

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If we are looking at the health of our water, why does knowing the extent of the watershed help you understand pollutants?

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River basins are collections of smaller watersheds

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Activity 2 – Make a watershed

Now you get to make a watershed!

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  1. Needs to show how the water moves and where does it end up. Use marbles to use in place of water

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  • You need to be able to show the boundaries of your watershed.