Bringing Rain

1. Teach students about the processes in the water cycle including precipitation, condensation, evaporation, etc. Discuss the effects of drought on plants, animals, and the economy.
2. Talk about how African countries have been suffering because of ongoing drought due to climate change, causing a severe humanitarian crisis. Introduce the topic of African "Rain Makers," people believed to have connections with the spirits and who can control the weather.
3. Ask students to create a mobile illustrating the aspects of a water cycle such as clouds, rain, sun, growth, etc. They can draw them on paper and cut them out. Have them put holes in each object, arrange them to show the sequential order of the cycle, and then tie them to a recycled cardboard cylinder such as a paper towel tube.
4. Have students form small teams to create a folktale or rain dance. For reference they can read a tale such as "Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain" by Verna Aardema and Beatriz Vidal or look up African rain dance ceremonies. Ask them to share their creations with the class.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/models that are useful in communicating ideas.

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Use data to analyze human behavior in relation to its physical and cultural environment.

Water scarcity is a global issue. Talk about the need to conserve water and have students come up with ways they can help. For example, they can turn off the water while brushing their teeth, take shorter showers, etc.

Flooding is also part of the water cycle and they can be devastating. Have students prepare a list of safety tips for people living in areas prone to flooding.