The Falling Raindrop

 Johnson, N., Chin, J. The Falling Raindrop. New York: Tricycle Press. Grades 2-4
 Written by: Neil Johnson & Joel Chin
Subject area: Science
Genre: Fiction

Summary:
A storm starts to broom and out of that ugly storm comes an optimistic raindrop. Once the raindrop is born (or created by the storm) he becomes so excited, because he can fly. Suddenly, the raindrop has a thought--maybe instead of flying, he is really falling! The once optimistic raindrop cannot enjoy his journey, because he is unsure where he will end up. He eventually sees and lands in a scary fire, but little to the raindrops knowledge, he goes back up into the air and eventually becomes a rain drop again. Not only does this story teach us of our water cycles, but it also teaches us that good things can come from change.

Themes: The Water Cycle
Initiating Questions and Activities:
Questions:

1. Have you ever had a rain drop land on you?
2. How would you feel if you were a raindrop falling quickly from the sky?
3. Where does rain come from?
4. How does rain get back up to the sky?
5. How does the sky look when it is raining or about to rain?

Activity:
Call on three students to come up to the front of the classroom. Have one hold a picture of a storm cloud, one the sun, and one a raindrop. Act out the water cycles. Have the rest of the kids make the sounds of a thunderstorm. As they are doing this have the dark cloud walk in front of the class. As the kids get to be louder, have the raindrop come out standing up and slowly sitting down under the cloud. As the storm calms down have the cloud disappear and have the sun come out. As the sun warms up have the raindrop slowly stand up. This will demonstrate the earth's water cycle.

Culminating and Extending Questions:

1. What do you think it would be like to be a raindrop? How would you feel?
2. Where would you want to land if you were a raindrop?
3. How do the sun and clouds work together?
4. How does the raindrop get back up to the sky and back down?

Activity:
Split the students into even groups. Give each group a large piece of paper. Have the children draw a comic strip starring a raindrop. Have the students create and dramatize the life of a raindrop. This is a fun way for kids to remember how the water cycles works. Have each group present. Each poster should include: Storm Clouds, water vapor, rain, sun/warmth, steam, and regular clouds.