An understanding of the basic concepts of ground water is key to understanding how the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer works.  The study of ground water is called hydrogeology. Hydrogeology investigates how water occurs and moves through the earth.

The curricula below were created to help students learn about hydrogeology. They are comprised of a number of lesson plans, each covering a specific topic. Because the lesson plans build upon each other, it is best to start with the first lesson and then move onto the next. The elementary school curriculum was created for students in grades 3 -6; the middle/high school curriculum will be for students in grades 9-12.

To view the lesson plans, free Adobe Acrobat Reader software is needed. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader here.  

The elementary school aquifer education curriculum contains a number of lesson plans and animations. The animations may be downloaded in either of two formats, Windows Media Video (WMV) or Shock Wave Flash (SWF). Double-click on either link below. (Click here to learn more about how to download and play animations.) The animations are also available on CD from DEQ's Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Staff Contact. Also included is a suggested materials list.

At the end of each lesson plan is a certificate of achievement that the teacher may sign and award to the student after he/she has successfully completed the lesson. After all lessons have been completed, a diploma designating the student as a "Apprentice Hydrogeologist" may be awarded. Download the diploma below; contact DEQ's Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Staff Contact to have the diploma signed by DEQ staff.

Lesson Name	Lesson Plan	Animation
#1 Hydrologic Cycle	Where does water come from, and where does it go?	WMV	SWF
#2 Ground Water	How does water under the earth's surface move?	WMV	SWF
#3 Drinking Water	Where does my drinking water come from?	WMV	SWF
#4 Ground Water Contamination	What is ground water contamination?	WMV	SWF
#5 Aquifer Simulation Model	What will the ground water do?

> Apprentice Hydrogeologist Diploma

> Materials List

The middle\high school curriculum is under development. It will include more advanced lesson plans.

The lesson plans and animations are provided to help teachers with aquifer education. Training for teachers in using the lesson plans and aquifer simulation model is available. If your school is located within the Kootenai County Aquifer Protection District fee boundaries, you may be eligible to receive the materials and aquifer simulation model at no charge. Contact DEQ's Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Staff Contact for additional information.