Measuring Snowfall
suggested grade levels: 6-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Materials:

2-pound coffee can

ruler (inches)

black marker

Procedure:
1. Remove any labels from the can and make sure it is completely clean.
2. Mark off inches on the coffee can. Put the can outside, away from the house in a calm, protected area but not under a tree.
3. Read the depth of snowfall directly off the collecting can. About ten inches of snow is equal to one inch of rain so if you wish to know the amount of precipitation, divide the depth of the snow by ten.
4. As a check on this measurement, allow the snow to melt at room temperature. This will keep evaporation at a minimum.

Related Lesson Topics:
Climatology: Climatology Topics