After reviewing the water cycle, zoom in on a raindrop and learn about the physics determining its shape. See actual footage of raindrops falling with high-speed photography! A written description of the same information is also provided on the website. Though this isn't something you may typically teach your middle schoolers, it can be a refreshing enhancement to your water cycle lessons. Make sure to explain the properties of polar water molecules that create cohesion and surface tension.

Concepts

cohesion, surface tension, the water cycle

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Additional Tags

raindrop shape, microphysics, water cycle, surface tension, cohesion, science

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Pros

• Upbeat music and colorful footage make this an engaging video
• A fascinating enrichment to any lesson on water molecules or the hydrologic cycle
• Can be used with other water-related resources by the same publisher to create a well-rounded lesson

Cons

• Does not delve into the polarity of the water molecule and the role it plays in surface tension or cohesion, but you can do this after the class views the clip