APPLETON — Teachers interested in expanding or improving their science education programs have an opportunity to receive a free groundwater model for their school.

The visual aids consist of a plexiglass tank filled with sand that enables students to see the groundwater’s path. Colored dye shows the direction that groundwater moves and can be used to represent different pollutants as they travel throughout groundwater aquifers.

University of Wisconsin-Extension and state Department of Natural Resources staff will review applications to select educators to attend a free one-day workshop conducted by groundwater specialists. At the workshop, participants will receive their model and instructions on using it, along with ideas for additional groundwater activities for the classroom. Schools will be eligible for reimbursement for substitute teachers.

Some of the factors considered in choosing educators include:
-- Having an existing or planned curriculum related to groundwater.
-- Ability to use the groundwater model outside the classroom with students’ families.
-- Number of people and students, types of classes and grades involved.

Workshops will be held on Jan. 20 and 27 and Feb. 3.

Applications for the workshops are due by Nov. 2. Participants will be notified during the week of Dec. 1. Teachers who are selected will have the choice of attending a one-day workshop in Green Bay, Spooner or Mt. Horeb.

Since 2001, the DNR has teamed up with staff from UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey to give away the groundwater models.

To obtain an application or for more information, visit www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/gw/educate.htm or contact Laura Chern at 1-877-268-9355 or laura.chern@wisconsin.gov.