POW #9

Problem of the Week #9

Devotion's Catalog Canceling Challenge

We measured the stacks of catalogs collected during Devotion's Catalog Canceling Challenge. Here are the results:

Grade Number of inches
K-2 20
3-5 24
6-8 12

Given this data, pick one activity to do:

  • Suggested for K-2: Create a bar graph or pictograph showing the data.
  • Suggested for 3-5: How much water will be saved in one year as a result of the catalogs cancelled by Devotion School?
  • How many trees will be saved in one year as a result of the catalogs cancelled?

Assume:

  • There are 11 catalogs in a 1-inch stack
  • Making 1 catalog uses 3 gallons of water
  • 360 catalogs can be made from 1 tree
  • Canceling 1 catalog prevents the making of 6 catalogs per year

On another piece of paper (or on the back), show your work using numbers, pictures, and/or words. Be sure to include your name and class.

Solutions should be submitted by Thursday, February 16.

    1. Devotion saved 11,008 gallons of water, and a little more than 10 trees.
    2. 56 in. x 11 catalogs/in. = 616 catalogs collected.
      616 catalogs x 6 issues/year = 3696 catalogs/year
    3. Water: 3696 catalogs/year x 3 gallons water/catalog = 11,008 gallons water/year
    4. Trees: 3696 catalogs/year x 1 tree/360 catalogs = 10.27 trees, or about 10 1/4 trees per year!