The GetWET Observatory is one of two outdoor hands-on groundwater education facilities in the Rocky Mountain Region. Located on CSU property along Spring Creek is a groundwater well field that allows students to study the interaction between the creek and the groundwater. Using the GetWET field backpacks, students study water quality and quantity issues and how they relate to use, conservation, and flooding. As part of this experience, the NSEOC also has a Groundwater Model STEM kit that looks at how streams and ground water interconnect that educators can do in the classroom either before or after the field experience.

Big Concepts include: 1) groundwater; 2) surface water; 3) water table; 4) dissolved oxygen; 5) electrical conductivity; 6) water transparency; 7) soils & sediment; and 8) stream velocity & discharge.

Scientific Inquiry Skills include: 1) field science; 2) data collection and analysis; and 3) use of a variety of field equipment.

GetWET Field Backpack** Tutorials

GetWET Field Experience Resources

GetWET Ground Water Model STEM Kit

  • GetWET Ground Water Model STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
  • GetWET Ground Water Model STEM Kit Clean-Up & Repacking Instructions
  • GetWET Ground Water Model STEM Kit Material List
  • Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
  • Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
  • Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric (coming soon)

Other Useful Resources

Borrowing GetWET Groundwater Model STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. Send the appropriate application form via email to Laura Schoenfeld (laura.schoenfeld@colostate.edu) or fax (970-491-2005). We appreciate applications to be sent 2 weeks in advance to the desired use date.

**The GetWET backpacks can only be borrowed by educators in Northern Colorado who have been trained on how to use them by NSEOC staff.

Water Table Mapping
Water Transparency