How Much Water?
Students will explain how stormwater collection can improve water quality and provide a wide range of services, calculate surface area for multiple rooftop scenarios and apply knowledge of rain water runoff across different scenarios
Overview
Students investigate stormwater runoff and green infrastructure in a five-day unit combining science and math. Videos and Jamboard responses open with the question of why runoff is a concern. Students then measure a baking dish, calculate area and the volume of an inch of water, check it with a beaker, and apply the method to sample school roofs at 1 inch of rain per hour. They measure their own school's roof, use a city rainfall data set to estimate monthly runoff, and write a proposal for rain barrels or downspout planters. A Jamboard and a Quizizz serve as evaluation.
Lesson Objectives
- Explain how stormwater collection can improve water quality and provide a wide range of services, calculate surface area for multiple rooftop scenarios and apply knowledge of rain water runoff across different scenarios.
Standards
NGSS · 2
- MS-ETS1-1Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
- MS-ETS1-2Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
CCSS Math · 3
- 7.RP.A.1Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities measured in like or different units.
- 7.G.A.1Solve problems involving scale drawings of geometric figures, including computing actual lengths and areas from a scale drawing and reproducing a scale drawing at a different scale.
- 7.G.B.6Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.
CCSS ELA · 3
- SL.7.1Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- SL.7.3Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
- SL.7.4Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.