Strand:
-
Standard: All students will describe how water moves.
Benchmark: Trace the path that rain water follows after it falls.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.2 - Develop solutions to problems through reasoning, observation, and investigation .
SCI.I.1.5 - Develop strategies and skills for information gathering and problem solving.
SCI.II.1.2 - Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such as language arts and fine
arts.
Vocabulary
Precipitation
Flow:
• hill
•
to
•
into
See Precipitation (SCI.V.3.E.1):
Bodies of water:
Context
Examples of water locally:
•
gutters
•
drains
•
streams
•
wetlands
•
streams
•
rivers
•
lakes
•
oceans
See Bodies of water (SCI.V.1.E.1):

Knowledge and Skills
Rain water, after it falls, follows a downward path.
Students will illustrate the path that rainwater follows.
Examples of water paths:
•
gutters
•
playground
•
drains
•
streams
•
wetlands
Note: This is not the water cycle.
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Newbridge Early Science Program “big book” and teaching guide:
Amazing Water
Get From Local Store:
Sand
Sand boxes/trays
Other Resources:
Cole, Joanna Magic School Bus: _Wet all over:
A book About the Water Cycle. Scholastic
1999
Follow a Drip through the Water Cycle www.epa.gov/students/clean_water_basics.ht
m
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim
471-7725x101 or email jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
5.2.2
Where’s the Water from the Camden
Children's Garden

Instruction
Benchmark Question: How does water move?
Focus Question: Which way does water flow?
Pour water over/into tray of sand. What happens?
(makes a path, trail).
Add a mound of sand/hill and pour. Compare changes/similarities.
Assessment
Optional Informal Assessment
Students draw a picture and label with arrows the direction that water would flow.

Teacher Notes:
Describe how water moves.
The amount of water on the earth is finite and it is important to understand the movement of water. Water moves as a result of gravitational and wind forces as well as differences in density between warm and cool water.
Young children should be able to describe water movement, which occurs around them. The teaching of the water cycle in the elementary years has been successful. However, students should be able to describe how falling rain either soaks into the soil or runs off into streams, rivers or lakes.