Experiment 7
What Happened to the Rainwater?

Topic: Evaporation
Grades: K-3
Subjects: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Question: Where does the water go after the rain?

Materials: 

• Chalk

• Sidewalk or driveway in the sun

• Sidewalk or driveway in the shade

• Clock

Procedure:

1. After a rain storm, find a puddle.

2. Use chalk to draw an outline around the outside edge of the puddle.

3. Observe the puddle. What happened to the rain water?

Additional steps:

1. After a rain storm, find two puddles (one in sun and another in shade.)

2. Use chalk to draw an outline around outside edge of the puddles.

3. Use a clock to time the length of time it takes for the puddles to evaporate.

Chart:

Conclusion: 

1. Where did the rain water go? 

2. Why did it take more time for the water to disappear in the shade?

TRY THIS: Wash the chalkboard in your classroom. Have the children make observations as the chalkboard dries.