The challenge that remains is how to convert those measurements into typical units of volume (gallons or liters). Of course this might be complicated by having a mix of metric and standard measures (i.e. rainfall in inches and building dimensions in meters).

Looking for some extra credit? Then take this exercise one step further.

If the rate of rainfall is 1.5 inches per hour and it rains for 1/2 hour, how many 220 liter rain barrels will be required to collect all the run-off from the 400 building roof.

Submit your answer on a separate sheet of paper, showing all your calculations. Be sure to have your name (first and last), the date and period at the top of your paper and underline your answer. Turn in no later than Wednesday 9/26.

Good thing it’s not up to me. Earth needs rain and snow.

Without a reliable supply of water, we would have nothing to drink, nothing to sustain our crops. Swimming pools would be empty. Lawns would have no grass. Electricity would be expensive. Plants would die; animals would follow.

During a drought, wetlands such as this area in Colorado could disappear, threatening the lives of many animals.

Robert Sanders, Ducks Unlimited/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Such a water shortage may sound extreme, but it’s happening right now in parts of the western United States. An area called the…. (more)

By Emily Sohn
Science News For Kids