Smart Kiddie Activity: Make Rain in Under 30 Mins With this Experiment

Guess what?

The rainy season is here in the Philippines, which makes it the perfect time to teach kids about rain.

But hey, even if it’s not raining where you are, this is still an activity you shouldn’t pass up!

Why?

It’s real easy to do, costs nothing and is very, very educational. The kiddo and I successfully did this yesterday (mad scientist laugh), so let me share our experience.

Oh, there’s also an added bonus to doing this which I’ll tell you later on.

Materials:

• Small pot, measuring cup (1 cup), plastic cup (stay away from glass), plastic wrap and a rubber band (big enough to wrap around the cup).

• Visuals so you can easily explain the experiment in relation to the water cycle.

                       

Steps:

1. Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil.

2. Transfer 1 cup of the hot water into a plastic cup. Do this as fast and safely as possible.

3. Cover the glass with plastic wrap and make sure there are no holes.

4. Place the rubber band around the cup to secure the wrap.

5. After 5 minutes, you’ll see…

Water droplets forming on the sides of the cup and under the plastic wrap

Note: The wrap is like a cloud and this step shows kiddos what evaporation is.

6. Put the glass inside the refrigerator. After 10 minutes, get it and you’ll see that…

The plastic has formed into a U shape and the droplets have merged into single drop

Note: Putting the cup in the refrigerator explains condensation, while the U shape of the plastic signifies the clouds being too heavy to hold all the water vapor. The droplet – which needs help falling down, so tap away – is precipitation or better known as rain.

But before you do it…

Here are a few safety tips:

• Make sure your child is at a good distance when boiling water.

• Let the kiddo use a pot holder while scooping hot water from the pot to the cup.

• Hold the cup securely should you let your child place the rubber band around it.

Now, remember I told you there was a bonus to this activity?

Quality time. Simple!

Now here’s a challenge: Do this today if you can; if not, get it done within the week.

It’s easy, simple, educational and fun. Are you up for the challenge?

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Photos:
Water Cycle 1: Cotf.edu
Water Cycle 2: Kid Zone
Source:
Essortment