Dr. Sarah Vitale, associate professor of geology and environmental science at UW-Eau Claire, is helping Wisconsin educators teach their students about groundwater flow and its impact.
During a workshop on June 26, 2026, she guided K-12 educators through exercises and discussions. They learned how water moves from the earth’s surface into wells, aquifers, rivers and lakes, and how to measure water depth and determine its flow. They also toured the city of Eau Claire’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Each instructor received a free groundwater model for their classroom. Dana Lex, who has taught for 28 years at West De Pere High School, drove across the state to acquire a model.
A Freshwater Collaborative grant covers the workshop costs, including the groundwater models and meals and lodging for participants.