Water cycle activity
Examine water droplets by making rain
We often complain about rain when it gets us wet, but do you know what causes it to fall?
In this activity learners perform a fun yet simple experiment to investigate the water cycle. Spray shaving foam on top of a glass of water to create a ‘cloud’, add food colouring to represent water droplets, and watch as the cloud fills up, producing ‘rain’. Discuss findings as a class.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce the causes of rain, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focussing on seasonal changes and the weather. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science and the teaching of the primary national curriculum.
Tools/resources required
- Drinking glasses
- Access to a sink and/or source of water
- Shaving foam
- Food colouring
- Pipettes
Download for free below!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students' and your schools' needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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Links to stream and download the videos can be found resources section below.
