Preschool Weather Experiment – The Rain Cycle

Looking for an easy preschool weather experiment that has to do with rain? Rain is one weather phenomenon your preschooler is very familiar with. Rain keeps preschoolers inside, and might cancel fun weekend plans. But rain is vital for life on earth. Explain to your preschooler all about the rain cycle with this easy preschool weather experiment. 

 

This experiment ties in great with the Evaporation Preschool Science Experiment.

 

All about the rain cycle

About evaporation

About condensation

A paper towel

Water

A sunny, warm spot

 

Step one: Dampen the paper towel with your water

 

Step two: Place the paper towel inside your jar, Tupperware container or plastic bag

 

Step three: Place the jar in a sunny, warm spot

 

Step four: Wait. Have your preschooler keep on your container. 

 

Over time the water in the paper towel will evaporate. But the water will reform on the inside of the jar or plastic bag. This is called condensation. If shaken, the droplets of water will run back down to the paper towel where again the will dampen the paper towel. If left in the sun, the water in the paper towel will evaporate again and reform on the jar or plastic bag. 

 

The ocean water evaporates, and forms clouds. When these clouds cool, the clouds release the moisture in rain. The rain falls to the earth and eventually makes its way (through rivers and streams) back to the ocean. Once again it evaporates, forms clouds and falls back to earth in rain.