U.S. Geological Survey staff in Ohio and Maryland Water Science Centers helped Girl Scouts learn about water science at events celebrating Girl Scout World Thinking Day.

On Feb. 23, in Worthington, Ohio, USGS scientist Don Stoeckel and USGS librarian and former Girl Scout leader Marge Tibbetts performed microbiology tests on water from a variety of sources. The two tested bottled water, as well as water from the toilet, the bathtub, a creek, sewage and snow. Their experiment showed that a water's appearance does not necessarily determine its quality. Using a sand model, they also demonstrated how groundwater moves among rocks and sediment and how easily people can contaminate it through their activities on land. About 300 Girl Scouts attended the Ohio "Water Ways" Fest event.

On March 8, USGS scientist Wendy McPherson from Maryland shared her knowledge about water with more than 100 Girl Scouts. For the event, McPherson demonstrated a groundwater model that shows how water and potential contaminants can move underground. 

During World Thinking Day 2008, Girl Scouts examined global water resources by selecting a country and presenting that country's water challenge or unique water tradition. They earned a Thinking Day patch for their accomplishments. More information is available at http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/global/world_thinking_day/

Other related links:

Ohio USGS Water Science Center: http://oh.water.usgs.gov/