furrows : small ditches , usually 2-6 inches deep , between the rows of plants used to convey water
gallon ( gal ): a unit of volume for liquid measure equal to four quarts
irrigation : artificial application of water to the land or soil to assist plant growth
natural resource : materials or substances such as minerals , forests , water , and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain
pasture lands : land used for grazing livestock that is planted and maintained by farmers and ranchers
water : a transparent , odorless , tasteless liquid , a compound of hydrogen and oxygen
watershed : a watershed is the area of land where all of the water that falls in it and drains off of it goes into the same place
Lesson Plans to go with this Reader :
The Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix is an online , searchable , and standards-based database for K-12 teachers . The Matrix contextualizes national education standards in science , social studies , and nutritional education with relevant instructional resources linked to Common Core Standards . Below are a few lesson plans that could be used in conjunction with this Colorado Reader . Find these lessons and more by searching the key words on the Curriculum Matrix at CoAgClassroom . org .
Wad-a-Watershed ( Grades 3-5 ): Students examine the basic geography of a watershed , how water flows through the system , and how people can impact the quality of our water . ( https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 67 /)
Water Supply ( Grades 3-8 ): Students observe the change of water states as it moves through the water cycle . ( https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 225 /)
Learn , Protect , and Promote Water ( Grades 6-8 ): In this lesson students learn about water sources , water pollution , and water protection . Students participate in an activity where they demonstrate the water cycle and see the potential for our water supply to become contaminated . ( https :// colorado . agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 498 /)
The Water Footprint of Food ( Grades 9-12 ): Explore concepts of sustainability by evaluating the water footprint ( WF ) of food . Students are introduced to irrigation practices throughout
the world , consumptive and non-consumptive water use , and investigate the water requirements for various food crops . ( https :// colorado . agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 821 /)
Journey 2050 Lesson 3 : Water ( Grades 6-12 ): Students will discuss the limited amount of fresh water on earth , identify how best management practices can reduce water consumption , discuss the need for water conservation and protection , and compare and contrast methods of irrigation for water conservation .( https :// colorado . agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 591 /)
Answers :
Page 3 : What is an Acre-Foot of Water ? Answer 1 : 43,520 feet
Answer 2 : 48,000 feet for the playing surface ; difference of 4,480
Answer 3 : 977,553 Page 4 : Water Geography
California , Nevada , Utah , Wyoming , Arizona , Nevada , New Mexico , Colorado , Nebraska , Kansas , Oklahoma , Texas , Iowa , Missouri , Arkansas , Louisiana , Kentucky , Tennessee , Mississippi ; Countries : USA and Mexico
Page 4 : Locating Your Watershed
Yampa / White
San Juan / Dolores
Colorado
Gunnison
North
Platte
Rio Grande
Denver metro area
South Platte
Arkansas