How much rain can that cloud make? Through a simulation, the class estimates the amount of candy rain contained in different cup clouds. After probing the clouds using different methods, class members adjust their estimates. Participants use ground truthing to verify the estimates on how much candy rain was in the clouds. 

Concepts

clouds, rainfall, precipitation, estimation, ratios

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• This activity can be used right before studying cloud formation and cloud types
• Instead of using as a whole class demonstration, set up identical sets of clouds for groups to investigate

Classroom Considerations

• The teacher needs to construct the clouds before the class starts
• Make individual data collection and prediction tables like those found on page two so individuals have their own to work on

Pros

• Reading material provides background information on forecasting the amount of rain
• The resource takes some time to describe the difference between volume and weight of ounces

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.RP.A.3.a MP1