Can people solve flash flooding? Engage your students in scientific studies that impact Nashville.
Peak students' interest by viewing a local news channel story on flash flooding. For older students, ask them to search for local videos about flash flooding to view. Hold a discussion on what students noticed and wondered about flash flooding.
Simulate the increase in runoff that occurs when land is developed using a hands-on model. Use the model to create four conditions, from undeveloped land to a heavily developed city. At each change in condition, students pour water on the model to simulate rain and collect data on the amount of runoff. Students can use their observations and data to make recommendations on how to reduce flooding at the site shown on the video.
- Flooding Simulation Model activity instructions with student data collection worksheet
- Reserve the EnviroScape flooding model – choose Loaner Enviroscape from the drop down in the first box
Simulate runoff on different land types using a computer model. Students can change the amounts of precipitation and choose different land cover types (from forest to highly developed land) to discover how runoff changes.
Learn about stormwater features that reduce runoff in this video. Students will see how permeable pavers, bioretention (rain gardens), green roofs, and cisterns work to reduce runoff.
Find out how trees reduce stormwater runoff by using the MyTree online tool to calculate the benefit of trees.
Nashville provides flood information and resources, including live stream gauges and emergency information, on our Flood Risk Information website.