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Earth science · Grades 6–8

Rainfall and Runoff

How does ground cover affect runoff after the same rainfall?

The lesson

What students do

A school wants less water flowing across its walkways. Compare model surfaces after the same amount of rain.

  1. Place equal amounts of each ground cover in equal trays.
  2. Set every tray at the same slope.
  3. Pour the same amount of water over the same time.
  4. Measure the runoff collected and repeat three times.

For teachers

Standards connections

This short investigation supports parts of these standards. It does not cover the full standard by itself.

MS-ESS2-4Use a model to follow water moving over and into land.

PracticeDevelop and use a model; analyze results.

Big ideaSystems and system models

Included results

Where the results came from

Classroom model results included with ConductClass

These are model results, not field runoff measurements.

Science source: NGSS Middle School Earth's Systems

Included

Ready for one class period.

Student instructions Included results Chart choices and calculations Teacher notes and review guide

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