Adaptation of Groundwater Physical Models and Activities for Enhanced Student Learning

Abstract – Studies have shown that using a variety of teaching techniques to address the spectrum of learning styles enhances student learning. The goal of this project is to improve student interest and learning of groundwater topics relevant to environmental engineering. This is accomplished by adapting physical models and real-world activities to provide students hands-on learning of groundwater concepts into the Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Laboratory courses. The target audience of this project is sophomore- and junior-level undergraduate students enrolled in these required courses. This paper presents a summary of the physical models and real-world activities developed and implemented in the courses. The models and activities are adapted from material produced by Project WET and U.S. EPA, while the implementation into courses is based on the ASC