These hands-on laboratory exercises focus on the hydrology of a small local watershed. The new laboratories provide an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes direct student involvement in the collection and analysis of hydrological data. The use of data from a familiar and accessible field site adds to the student's knowledge of hydrological principles and methods while at the same time synthesizes their understanding of ecosystem function and value. The surface-water monitoring equipment and recording rain gauge provided through this project are used to monitor all significant surface-water inflows and outflows from the field site. The surface-water monitoring equipment includes upgrades for two existing gauging stations and monitoring systems for three new gauges. The recording rain gauge provides important rainfall intensity and duration data that will be used in conjunction with the surface water data. The equipment and the data generated from it are used repeatedly throughout the semester to study various components of the hydrological system and to develop simple models of system function. These revised laboratory experiences can affect about 250 students over the next 5 years.
