Making It Rain

This lesson will help the students learn the process of the water cycle, and it answers the question where does rain come from. While learning this lesson, students will become the different parts of the process while making it rain on their own garden.

The student should understand the basic water cylce process: The sun pulls the water into clouds and the clouds make the rain.

poster board, markers, small step stool, small potted flower, water, a yellow apron (or easily worn sun), a gray apron (or easily worn cloud), watering can, wading pool or bucket with water in it.

1. Ask the students if they know where rain comes from and allow for reponses. Build from the repsonses to ask follow up questions and praise all guesses but let students know which ones are correct.

2. Tell the students that raining is part of a water cycle. Explain that the sun evaporates or pulls the water into sky to make clouds. Then, the clouds let go of the water when they get too full, making rain.

3. Demonstrate the water cycle by getting water while wearing the sun and reminding the students what is happening. Before climbing on the ladder, change to cloud or gray apron, and step on the stepping stool. Pour water over the flower with the watering can, making it rain.

4. Allow each student to be a sun and cloud so they can make it rain.

5. Let the students tell you what is happening as they peform each role- if they need help remind them and have them repeat it to you.

Grade on participation. Assess the students by making sure they understand the basic idea of the water cycle.