Irrigation Inquiries

1. Have students construct in a container, such as a restaurant bus tray, a small-scale watering system similar to Camden Yards’, using sand, grass or sod, and plastic bottles that have been perforated on one horizontal side (this side will face up). Pour a measured amount of water over the "field" and determine how much is retained in the bottles. Then determine how much of the water is retained by the sand and grass. The next day, note how much of the water retained in the bottles has evaporated.

2. Invite the groundskeeper of your school’s athletic fields to talk to your classes about maintaining the fields. How often is the field watered? How much water is required to keep the fields in good playing condition, etc. (If your school’s athletic fields are made of artificial turf, contact the local Department of Parks & Recreation and request a guest speaker or arrange a visit to a local park where a groundskeeper can address your students.)

3. Ask the students to visit a local ballpark, golf course or park and investigate how the grassy areas are maintained. How are the areas watered? How often are the areas watered? How much water is needed to keep the areas in good condition? Are there plans to improve the watering system? If so, how?

Watering Camden Yards | Thorton Creek Watershed | Stormwater Management
The Cactus Playa | Living Unleaded | Wildlife & Lead Poisoning

Last Updated: 02/16/03
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