1. How does rain affect soil?
SC.1.E.6.3 Recognize that some things in the world around us happen fast and some happen slowly.
SC.1.E.6.3 Recognize that some things in the world around us happen fast and some happen slowly.

2. Each group will need: a plastic container soil water 2 cups with holes
2 science books
index cards
data chart (slide 3) taped inside science notebooks
measuring cup
Sand may substituted for potting soil.
Make small holes in one cup with a push pin or tack.
Make large holes in one cup with the end of a paper clip.

3. Record Your Observations
Hill Before Water is Poured
Hill After Water is Poured
Light Rain
Heavy Rain

4. Put the soil in the tub.
Make a model of a hill.
Press the soil with your hand.
Place an index card in the center of the soil.
Put 2 books under one end of the tub.
Record your observations.

5. The cup with the small holes
7. Hold the cup with the small holes over the left side of the model hill.
8. Slowly pour 4 oz. of water into the cup.
9. Keep filling the cup until you have used all 4 oz. of the water in your measuring cup.
10.Record your observations.

6. The cup with the big holes
11. Hold the cup with the big holes over the right side of the model hill.
12. Slowly pour 4 oz. of water into the cup.
13. Keep filling the cup until you have used all 4 oz. of the water in your measuring cup.
14. Record your observations.

7. Compare
The water falling through the cup with the smaller holes is a model of light rain.
What does the water falling through the cup with the bigger holes represent?
What happened to your hill when light rain fell on the soil?
What happened to your hill when the heavy rain fell on the soil?
How does rain affect soil?
What does the water falling through the cup with the bigger holes represent? heavy rain
What happened to your hill when light rain fell on the soil? Answers may include: Some soil moved from the hill, a little soil moved, etc.
What happened to your hill when the heavy rain fell on the soil? Answers may include: More soil moved from the hill and into the water, a lot of soil moved down, etc.
How does rain affect soil? Rain causes soil to erode. Erosion can happen when moving water carries soil to a different location.