Tri County 4th graders recently got a hands-on—and tasty—lesson about one of Nebraska’s most important natural resources, the Ogallala Aquifer. The interactive presentation was led by Penny Holtmeier from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Extension Office in Fairbury.
Penny engaged students in a fun, educational activity by helping them build an “edible aquifer.” Using simple treats like ice, candy, soda, and sprinkles. Students recreated the layers of soil, sand, gravel, and water that make up a real aquifer. As they constructed their sweet science models, they learned how water moves through underground layers and how pollution can affect drinking water supplies.
The edible aquifer is a great way to help kids understand groundwater in a way they can see and eat! It shows them how water travels through the earth and why protecting our aquifers are so important.
Through this activity, students discovered that the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the world’s largest freshwater aquifers, provides water for much of Nebraska’s agriculture, communities, and wildlife. They also learned about conservation practices that help protect this vital resource for future generations.