Rainfall & Puddles
Phenomenon:
Rain falls from the sky during a storm.
Student Task:
Explain what causes rain to fall from the sky. Measure rainfall over time to look for patterns.
Model
Students make raindrops on wax paper then try to make them even smaller (to represent cloud drops) using a toothpick.
Investigate
Students plan and carry out an investigation to measure rainfall, and compare what happens to rain on different surfaces.
Obtain Information
Students read to obtain information about rain.
Analyze Data
Students collect and analyze data on rainfall over time to look for patterns.
Explanation:
Clouds are made of liquid water. When the drops of water get too big and heavy they fall from the sky (due to gravity). In [Salt Lake City], we receive the most rain in springtime.
Application (Optional STEM Project):
Students can use technology to produce a weather report. Or, students can design a solution that reduces the impact of a weather-related hazard.
NGSS Standards:
K-ESS2-1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.
Utah Science Standards:
Kindergarten: Compare the changes in weather over time.
Grade 1: Compare and contrast the seasonal weather changes.
Grade 2: Observe, describe and measure seasonal weather patterns and local variations.
Recommended Teaching Sequence:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Formative Assessment:
Use what students have recorded in their science notebooks as a formative assessment.
Lesson Contributor(s):
April Mitchell, Science Coach, Salt Lake City School District