The water trailer is a hands on educational tool, which the District personnel uses to educate children about water and its many different relationships. The water trailer was partially funded by a special grant from the Environmental Protection Agency through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The water trailer uses recycled plastic for sand. Water running through the plastic simulates the flow of a river, erosion, sedimentation, ground water movement, channelization, watersheds, impacts on wildlife, and the effect humans have on water.

The water trailer is roughly nine feet by seven feet, and is used mostly outside because of its size. It is large enough to comfortably accommodate 25-30 students at one time. Due to weather restrictions, the trailer is used in late spring, summer, and early fall, but use is not limited to these times.

The water trailer can be used for K-6 and up. We can have a scenario prepared or we can tailor the learning to what is being taught in a class. For the younger children, demonstrations last 10-15 minutes. For older students, it depends on their interests. We can fit the water trailer into most schedules, but do require time to re-build the model in between different groups.

The water trailer works well for science fairs, to complement a science lesson, or for a fun learning experience the class won't forget! There is no charge to have District personnel demonstrate the water trailer, no matter how many times we present it.

Some comments made by students who have attended the Water Expo:

"My favorite thing was the river system model. It is just so much easier to understand when you see what they are talking about." - Alissa A.

"I liked how we got to see how the river system model worked and how one little thing like moving trees can cause bigger things to happen like erosion." - Jack B.

"It was fascinating to see the shaping of the land caused by a real river." - Melynda A.

"The river system model was the coolest model I have ever seen." - Codi C.

"My favorite place was probably the wetlands. There I liked the riparian model. I liked that place because you got to dig holes and watch the water rise in them. You also got to see the ground erode and watch currents form. I probably learned the most at the riparian model." - Ryan C.

"I liked the riparian model. It was cool and a good display on how to teach what a river does. I learned a lot from that!" - Amy B.