Where Does the Snow Go?
Most of North America is experiencing dramatic weather effects that are tied to the water cycle—snow, rain, sleet, or drought. That makes this a perfect time to study the WATER CYCLE.
LESSON PLAN: Pitter, Patter, and PLOP!
In the book Pitter and Patter, two drops of rain (Pitter and Patter) fall from a gray cloud and take different routes as they travel through the water cycle. In this activity, students write a story about a snowflake, or another raindrop, named PLOP. The story should answer the question, “Where does the snow (or rain) go?”
It’s easy to expand your lesson using the additional information and activities from the back of the book, including states of matter, watersheds, habitats, and human impacts.
Suggested Grade Level: K-3
Materials
- The book Pitter and Patter
- Pitter, Patter, and PLOP handout (page 2)
Procedure
- Read aloud the story about Pitter and Patter.
- Referring to the two pages titled “Explore More—For Kids,” follow Pitter and Patter through the water cycle beginning and ending with the gray cloud.
- Using the handout, instruct students to write a story about Pitter and Patter’s friend PLOP! The reverse side of the handout can be used for an illustration. Younger students can begin with the illustration and add a short narrative.
- Invite children to share their finished stories with the class or in small groups.
Common Core Standards (ELA K-3)
- Reading: Informational Text: Key Ideas and Details (K.1, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1); Integration and Knowledge of Ideas (K.7, 1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
- Writing: Text Types and Purposes (K.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
Next Generation Science Standards (DCI K-3)
- PS1: Matter and Interactions—A: Structure and Properties of Matter; B: Chemical Reactions
- ESS2: Earth’s Systems—C: The Roles of Water in the Earth’s Surface Processes
- LS2: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics—A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Pitter and Patter meet lots of fun critters during their water cycle journey…here are a couple of them: