The Autobell® Creek Challenge - 2016
Water Cycle & Impact
Event Description: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of the following as they relate to the hydrologic cycle: parts of the
hydrologic cycle, rainfall, erosion, flooding, sanitary and storm water sewer systems, and the impacts of extreme weather events
(drought, hurricanes)
NC Essential Standards Alignment: 1.L.1, 1.L.2, 1.E.2, 3.E.2, 4.L.1 5.L.2
Creek Team: 2 students
Event Time: 50 minutes
Materials: Each team must bring sharpened pencils with them.
Event Leaders: Leaders will provide a hands-on event with all necessary materials, questions, and response sheets for participants.
Examples include but are not limited to: drawings, scenarios, questions, hydrographs, models, and photographs.
Safety Requirements: None
Impound: None
Event Details: This event will run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations with questions, models, pictures, diagrams,
and maps that assess any or all of the following topics.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Hydrologic cycle

Identify the different parts and what state the water is in (gas, solid, liquid)

Natural

Human Impact
Rainfall

Average amount Mecklenburg County receives seasonally/annually

How and where is rainfall collected and measured

Microbursts

Stream hydrograph
Erosion

Impacts on biological, chemical and physical properties of streams

Prevention
Flooding

Causes and prevention

Safety tips to prevent injury

Role of stream buffers

Role of floodplains

Impervious & Pervious surfaces
Sanitary & storm sewer systems

Compare and contrast

Location
Extreme weather events

Water conservation tips

Impacts to the water table
Scoring: Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or quality of responses to preselected questions chosen by the event leader.
Event Resources: http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/the-water-cycle/
http://www.education.noaa.gov/Freshwater/Water_Cycle.html
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/activity/water-cycle-studyjams-activity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3NeMVBcXXU