Delving Below the Surface With the Montana Groundwater Academy

Graphical Abstract

The Montana Groundwater Academy is a high school program that integrates classroom and field-based experiences to teach the fundamentals of groundwater science.

Abstract

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 33% of the United States’ public water supply (i.e., water that is delivered through public water systems) is sourced from groundwater. For other uses, these percentages are even higher (42% for irrigation, 60% for livestock, 63% for mining, and 98% for households that source their own water). Although communities depend on groundwater, this resource is deeply vulnerable to threats such as contamination and depletion. Concerns about groundwater are highly relevant in Montana, where 48% of the public water supply and 96% of the individual household water supply is groundwater-sourced, and where a history of industries such as mining and forestry has left a legacy of over one dozen Superfund sites with contaminated groundwater.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Education Grants program and funding from multiple community partners in western Montana. This article was developed under Assistance Agreement No. NE-96830301, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the University of Montana. It has not been formally reviewed by EPA. The views expressed in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Agency. The EPA does not endorse any products or commercial services mentioned in this publication. This material is also based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1543228 and Grant No. 1440988. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Author Contributions

Beth Covitt ([email protected]) is head of science education research and evaluation at spectrUM Discovery Area at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

Agatha Podrasky ([email protected]) is program manager at spectrUM Discovery Area at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

Deb Fassnacht ([email protected]) is executive director of the Watershed Education Network in Missoula, Montana.

Rebecca Paquette ([email protected]) is former program coordinator at the Watershed Education Network in Missoula, Montana.

William Woessner ([email protected]) is emeritus regents professor of hydrogeology at the Univeristy of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Beth Covitt

Beth Covitt ([email protected]) is head of science education research and evaluation at spectrUM Discovery Area at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

Agatha Podrasky

Agatha Podrasky ([email protected]) is program manager at spectrUM Discovery Area at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.

Deb Fassnacht

Deb Fassnacht ([email protected]) is executive director of the Watershed Education Network in Missoula, Montana.

Rebecca Paquette

Rebecca Paquette ([email protected]) is former program coordinator at the Watershed Education Network in Missoula, Montana.

William Woessner

William Woessner ([email protected]) is emeritus regents professor of hydrogeology at the Univeristy of Montana in Missoula, Montana.