Back to simulations

Human Impacts on the Water Cycle | Virtual Lab

High School
Higher Education
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Human Impacts on the Water Cycle
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

About This Simulation

A property developer wants to turn a forest into an urban area. Dive into the water cycle and model how human influences can impact different hydrological processes.

Learning Objectives

  • Differentiate Earth's stores of oceanic and fresh water and describe the different forms freshwater stores can take
  • Describe connections between water cycle processes and hydrological stores
  • Construct models of how human activity can impact infiltration, interception, and runoff and interpret the outcomes

About This Simulation

Level:
High School
Higher Education
Length:
20
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English

Lab Techniques

  • Importance of the water cycle
  • Length of the water cycle
  • Earth’s water finite amount
  • How human activities can impact different hydrological processes
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
NGSS:
  • ESS2.C-M1
  • LS2.B-E1
AP:
LB:
  • Biology 2.2
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

Did you know the water you’re drinking may have once been part of a glacier in the Antarctic? In this simulation, you will learn how water moves around the Earth in a continuous cycle. You will also look at how human activities, such as deforestation and urban development, can impact different hydrological processes.

Pinpoint key hydrological stores and processes

Explore an overview of the water cycle and identify different hydrological stores. You may be surprised to learn how much of the Earth’s water is stored in the oceans! Then, explore how different hydrological processes move water between these stores in an interactive activity. Learn the definitions of precipitation, evaporation, condensation, transpiration, infiltration, interception, surface runoff, and groundwater flow. Apply this knowledge to figure out where in the water cycle each process belongs. 

Can you avoid causing a flood?

Using your knowledge of the water cycle, you will use a 3D model on our hi-tech holofloor to assess how human influences impact the water cycle. You will look closely at deforestation and urban development and how they affect interception, infiltration and surface runoff. You will have the ability to change different parameters and test your model to see if you manage to avoid flooding your town! You can repeat this activity as many times as you wish until you’re satisfied you have achieved the best possible outcome.

Help the property developer

At the end of the simulation, you will inform property developer Max about your findings so he can make an informed decision on his development plan.

Experience Labster for Yourself

Boost Learning with Fun

75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster

Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus

Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content

Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists

Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios

a group of people standing around a laptop computer

For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage

Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”

Lewis Mattin
PhD
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.

Melody McGill
Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."

user
Kyle Hammon
Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”

Dr. Melody Esfandiari
Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."

a man in a black sweater and white shirt
Dr. Stuart Goodall
Lecturer
Northumbria University

“The Labster simulations get students to do things, and they're not just sitting there consuming a webinar where their mind can drift. They become an active participant in that learning experience.”

UCL logo with bold black 'UCL' letters.
02_logo-of-case-western-reserve-university
Logo of the University of Texas at Arlington, featuring a bold orange 'A' with a blue outline and a white star in the middle, symbolizing Texas.
University of Alabama logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
Virginia's Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
University Imperial logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
University of Texas at San Antonio logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
University of North Charlotte logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Washington logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
ETH Zurich logo featuring a sleek and modern design with the university name.
SUNY University logo featuring a modern emblem with the university name.
University of Florida logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
University of Stevens logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Kansas logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
Florida State University logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
16_logo-of-university-of-tennessee
17_logo-of-university-of-tulane-university
University of California Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
Johns Hopkins University logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
University of Skövde logo featuring a distinctive emblem with the university name.

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

How do students access Labster?

Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.

How is Labster purchased?

Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.

What types of courses does Labster support?

Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.