S.H.S. Earth Science: Groundwater

Exploration:
Step 1.  Become familair with the new terms associated with groundwater.

Write the definitions of these key terms.  (Chapter 16 will help you)

1. Groundwater
2. Aquifer
3. Porosity
4. Permeability
5. Water Table
6. Artesian Formation
7. Spring
8. Gradient

Evaluation:
Step 2.  Based on the terms and definitions, answer the following questions:

1. What three factors affect the flow of groundwater?
2. Open spaces must be connected for a rock to be?
3. A natural flow of groundwater to the earth's surface is known as?
4. The slope of a water table is called?
5. Any body of rock or sediment in which water can flow and be stored is called a?

Step 3.  After reading page 401, explain why some communities conserve water.

Exploration:

Step 4.  Take the time to investigate the following websites (As you explore, take notes!):

Marcellus Formation
What is Shale Gas?
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Geology.com
Research on Drilling and Drinking water
Waste Water from Drilling
Hydrofracturing
Water Management
Public Hazard

Explanation: 

The class will come together as a group and talk about the information provided on the previous websites.

Evaluation:
Step 5.  Answer ther following questions:

1. What is marcellus shale?
2. How is the gas extracted?
3. What possible dangers are there?

 Step 6. Take the 5 question quiz!

Elaboration:
Step 7.   

You are a voter who will make a decision whether drilling for natural gas will occur in Garrett County MD.  The revenue from harvesting the fuel would go a long way to pay for many things within the community; including education, and road repairs. There are concerns about the safety of drilling through the water table.  Using the information from the previous websites and the knowledge gained from learning the vocabulary and reading Chapter 16, write an argumentative paper explaining whether drilling for marcellus gas is safe or not safe in regard to the local drinking water.  The Rubric for the grading of this BCR can be found under the "Evaluation" tab in the upper left hand navigational bar. 

Within your answer, be sure to include an explaination on how both GPS & GIS technologies could be utilized.

When you have finished typing your paper, you may go to the Classroom Website, choose your Class Period, and submit your writing.