Original URL: http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-science-activities/weather/35043.html

Rain in a Bag Activity

by Margy Davidson

Age: Elementary
Time: 30 minutes or less
Type of Activity: Art and Science

Materials needed:

• Clear, plastic, resealable baggie -- sandwich size
• White paper cut to the size of the baggie.
• Scissors
• Permanent magic markers
• Water

Who says it only rains outside? Make your own rain and teach your child about the laws of condensation and evaporation. Here's how it works.

What you do:

1. Draw a picture that includes a lake, a tree, a sun with a smiley face, and two clouds on the paper. If you like, you can print out and use our version instead. Just cut it to size.
2. Slide the paper inside the baggy. Trace the scene onto the baggy with permanent magic marker. It will not work with washable markers.
3. Remove the paper.
4. Fill the baggie with water to the top of the "lake" and seal it.
5. Tape the baggie to a sunny window.

As time goes by, the sun heats the water and air that is sealed in the bag. The water evaporates until the "clouds" can't hold any more water. Then it starts to rain.