How much water did it take to produce the food you ate today?

Grade level:  4th – 5th grades

Skills: Addition (3-digit numbers)

Related environmental issues: Water

The table below shows some types of food you eat and the amount of water required to produce the food.

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  1. In the morning, you had 2 eggs, one slice of bread, and a cup of milk. How much water did it take to produce your breakfast?
  2. At noon, you had one hamburger, one bottled soft drink, and one small bag of potato chips. How much water did it take to produce your lunch?
  3. Tonight, you had one serving of beefsteak, one serving of pasta, and a banana. How much water did it take to produce your supper?
  4. How much water did it take to produce the food you ate today?

Sources: Water Footprint and World watch Institute

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Answer keys

  1. 52 + 52 + 11 + 63 = 178 (gallons)
  2. 634 + 78 + 62 = 774 (gallons)
  3. 460 + 49 + 42 = 551 (gallons)
  4. 178 + 774 + 551 = 1,503 (gallons)