Surface Water Runoff Modeling

This lesson provides students and their teachers with an appropriate and authentic resource for the study of surface water runoff. Information on the effect on runoff by soil types and ground covers is provided. The amount of runoff for different conditions can be modeled through the use of the information on these pages and the "runnable", or interactive model that accompanies these materials. The model allows the student to modify these variables. By analyzing the model results, the student can obtain a greater understanding of the quantity of water runoff, the effect of different soil and cover types.

Why is such a model appropriate and authentic? The interactive model provided here is appropriate because it uses the right technology. The students will study the science of hydrology through its representation in mathematical language and implemented on a computer. The model also allows the student to understand a complex problem that is exceptionally difficult to study "in the field." Since, most schools, students, and educators do not have the resources or expertise to conduct meaningful studies of surface water runoff in their communities.

This lesson is appropriate because a solid understanding of the scientific, economic, and political impact of surface water runoff is critical for all citizens. This is especially important for states like North Carolina, where water runoff has significant implications for farmers, homeowners, and those who are concerned about the quality of bodies of water such as the Neuse River.

The model is authentic because the science and mathematics that provide the foundation of the model are the exact same as those used by research scientists. The equations and values used in this model come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service (SCS). All of the equations for this model come from Publication 210-VI-TR-55, Second Edition, 1986. The use of these equations and parameters allow us to put a scientifically accepted computational tool into the hands of "young" scientists and their teachers. While the scenarios may be developed for educational purpose, the mathematical and computational tools are authentic.

1. introduction

3. background