Texas A&M Forest Service Nature Challenge
Where Does the Water Go?
Find two different areas in Dallas-Fort Worth—one covered in grass or soil and one with pavement or concrete. Pour a cup of water onto each surface and watch what happens. Does the water soak in or run off? Which area holds more water, and which dries up faster? Think about how this affects plants, animals, and even flooding in the city. How might rain gardens or green spaces help absorb water?
Science Seed: The Dallas-Fort Worth area was once covered in tallgrass prairies, which absorbed rainwater, reduced flooding, and provided habitat for countless species. Today, much of the land is covered in roads, sidewalks, and buildings, which prevent water from soaking into the ground. This can lead to flash floods, hotter temperatures, and habitat loss for native plants and animals. However, parks, green roofs, and native plant gardens can help restore some of the prairie’s natural benefits, making cities more sustainable and resilient.
Available in 8 languages: https://ecologistschool.org/park/tsbvi/climatology/ground-cover-challenge/
Buy real badges: https://familiesinnature.org/shop/#!form/Shopping
Details
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This Challenge is for:
- All Ages
- Formal Educators
- Informal Educators
Challenge Topics:
- At Home
- Climate Action
- Conservation/Environmental Education
- Environmental Systems and Cycles
- Habitat Restoration
- School Campus
- Water Conservation
This Challenge is accessible for:
- People with Visual Impairments
- People with Hearing Impairments
- People with Mobility Impairments
- People with Developmental Impairments
- People with Sensory Sensitivities
- People who speak Arabic
- People who speak Chinese (including Mandarin and Cantonese)
- People who speak French (including Cajun and Patois)
- People who speak German
- People who speak Hindi
- People who speak Spanish
- People who speak Vietnamese
Assistive Technologies Available:
- Accessibility features are available at link above
Don’t forget your...
- Cup or water bottle
- Stopwatch or smartphone
To complete this challenge
Step one
1. Find Two Areas
Choose two different areas in Dallas-Fort Worth: one with grass or soil, and the other with pavement or concrete.
Step two
2. Pour Water
Pour a cup of water onto each surface and observe what happens.
Step three
3. Note Water Behavior
Does the water soak into the ground, or does it run off the surface? Which area holds more water?
Step four
4. Record Drying Time
Which surface dries up faster? Compare how the surfaces react to the water over time. You can use a stopwatch, smartphone or count yourself!
Step five
5. Reflect on Environmental Impact
Think about how this affects plants, animals, and even flooding in the city. How might rain gardens or green spaces help absorb water?
Step six
6. Earn Your Badge
After completing your observations, share how different surfaces impact water absorption and how urban areas can benefit from more green spaces.
Step seven
Earn your badge!
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Texas A&M Forest Service and cooperators collectively known as “Nature Challenge” have not inspected the physical locations of challenges. No warranty of safecondition, or fitness for particular use is granted by Nature Challenge. Nature Challenge has not vetted whether the challenges, as formatted by the Provider, is safe. Anyone performing this challenge will be doing so at their own risk.
