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Workshop on Enhancing K-12 School Hydrology Education using an Internet-based Tool – RWater
July 17-18, 2014
West Lafayette, IN
Email vmerwade@purdue.edu to register
Teachers for middle and high-school students are invited to attend a two day workshop on RWater, a tool for understanding hydrology using internet data sources. The objective of this workshop is to train teachers on how to use RWater’s real-time hydrologic data-driven modules to create visualizations to identify the effect of rainfall distribution and land use type on stream flow, seasonal characteristics of hydrologic cycle, as well as the climate change impacts on flow pattern.
The appropriateness of this tool for a classroom environment lies in its features that:
(i) it is accessible from any remote computing device having an internet browser,
(ii) it does not require installation of any software,
(iii) it does not store any data in the computer directory and
(iv) no prior computer programming skills are required.
The availability of water in a given area can be quantified by measuring the flow of water at all streams in the area. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with various other agencies, monitors stream discharge at more than 7500 locations in the United States. By using these measurements, it is possible to understand how the changes in land use or climate has affected the hydrology of a region. From this perspective, a new internet-based, real time data-driven educational tool, called RWater, is created using Purdue University’s HUBzero technology. Participants will be shown how to access the data, go through sample lessons in utilizing the data, receive a stipend of $250, be provided meals, and have time to work with Purdue scientists and educators in the incorporation into their curriculum. This workshop is supported by a NSF grant that will cover all the travel and lodging expenses of all the participants.
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please send an email to vmerwade@purdue.edu
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