A Cubic Foot Per Second

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners measure and calculate the amount of cubic feet various containers contain. Next, learners investigate cubic feet per second (cps), by carrying jugs in one second. This activity introduces learners to the units scientists use to measure stream flows and rivers in the United States.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Empty plastic or cardboard 1⁄2 gallon milk containers (at least 2)
  • Empty 1-gallon Plastic milk jug (at least 2)
  • Empty 5-Gallon (water cooler) bottle (at least 1)
  • Rulers / tape measures in inches
  • Calculators
  • Timer

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
      • Rate
    • Number and Operations
      • Exponents
      • Fractions
  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2011