How much water does it take to brush your teeth? How about to wash your clothes? Perform an experiment that measures water usage in everyday tasks and compares them to the days before indoor plumbing, specifically the California gold rush of 1849. 

Concepts

drinking water, water, the california gold rush, san francisco, freshwater, water usage, water conservation, unit conversion, gallons

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• A great activity to illustrate water usage during a conservation unit or when preparing for Earth Day
• Use when studying about the California gold rush
• Have kids complete the extension activities for enrichment or extra credit

Classroom Considerations

• Based on San Francisco's water usage, but applicable to any city's water supply
• Does not provide a lab sheet or worksheet for kids to record their findings

Pros

• An effective way to combine science and math in one assignment
• Provides discussion topics and tips

Cons

• None

Common Core

4.MD.A.1 4.MD.A.2 5.MD.A.1