Take Action: Install Rain Barrels

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:

  • Learn how to install rain barrels around their school or house
  • Learn how rain barrels act as a means of diverting rainwater that may lead into possible flooding

Curriculum Connections

  • Grades 8 - 12
  • Click here for a detailed description of the curriculum connections 

Length of Activity

1.5 – 2 hours

Materials and Tools List

Materials:
  • Rain barrels
  • Downspout diversion kit
  • 1 - 2 paving stones 24 x 24 inches 
  • 2 - 4 cinder blocks
  • 1 - 3 bags of fine gravel
  • Screen to cover the rain barrel


Tools:
  • Rakes 
  • Shovels 
  • Gloves 
  • Screw gun 
  • Metal cutters 
  • Level 2 ft or 4 ft (to ensure the base is level when placing the paving stones and cinder blocks) 
  • Old hose piece to connect two rain barrels, in case you are using more than 1 rain barrel 
  • Hose connector kit from home hardware stores to connect two or more barrels

Online Lesson Format

01

Watch a Video Tutorial

Begin by watching this video tutorial on how to install rain barrels on your property.
Building Rain Barrels (9:40 minutes)

02

Locate Downspouts

Individual or Group Activity
00:38

03

Calculate the Roof Surface

Individual or Group Activity
00:57
How Many Rain Barrels Are Required? Worksheet
2 Pages

04

Sketch Your Planned Project

Individual or Group Activity
00:55

05

Get Your Materials and Tools

Detail description of materials and tools
01:24

06

Set-up Rain Barrels by the Downspout

Individual or Group Activity
01:41

07

Identify the Location of the Overflow

Individual or Group Activity
01:20

08

Rain Barrel Maintenance

Inspect periodically for leaks, especially spigots and other connection points. Make sure debris does not clog the system. Screen all vents to prevent mosquito breeding. For maximum stormwater benefits, empty the barrel between rain events in the wet season. Before the first sub zero winter day empty rain barrel and store safely.

09

Need Extra Support?

Extra support and resources
01:18