Identify the saturated zone and the unsaturated zones in the aquifer cup model. Help students discover that the aquifer becomes saturated from the bottom of the aquifer cup model upwards. Point out that the top of the saturated zone in an aquifer is the water table . Mark the water table with the grease pencil on the outside of the cup. Ask students to predict what will happen if they dig a hole in the gravel below the water table.
Record responses on the chalkboard.
Have students dig a hole in their aquifer cup model and observe the results. Ask students what they have demonstrated. Have students work together to determine how to make the water table higher or lower. Discuss with the students the uses of groundwater in their area. Brainstorm ways groundwater might be polluted in the area.