Earth Science · B3 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B3.2.1.3.1 - Identify the types of precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet) and describe the differences among them

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Name the four types of precipitation: rain, snow, hail, and sleet.
Describe in simple terms what each type of precipitation is and how it forms.
Sort pictures of rain, snow, hail, and sleet into the correct categories using flashcards.
Compare and contrast two types of precipitation, stating at least one difference between them.
Draw and label a picture showing a rainy day, correctly using the word “precipitation.”

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Curriculum details

Strand: Cycles (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Earth Science (2.1)
Content standard: B3.2.1.3 - Show understanding of the roles of condensation, evaporation, transpiration and precipitation in the hydrological (water) cycle
Indicator: B3.2.1.3.1 - Identify the types of precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet) and describe the differences among them
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 11 (Week 11 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science Curriculum (Basic 1-3), 2019, p. 53
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Explore the previous knowledge of learners on this topic, e.g., learners know of iced water, 'ice block' and rainfall.
- Provide learners with cut-out pictures or videos of the other forms of precipitation (snow, hail, sleet, these may be foreign to them.
- Learners examine the pictures and communicate their ideas on the different types of precipitation.
- Guide learners to explain each term. For example: Sleet is ice pellets that fall from clouds.
- Assist learners to build vocabulary on precipitation.
- With the aid of flashcards, learners work in groups to match pictures showing different types of precipitation with their correct names.
- Learners draw a picture showing a rainy day.
Project: Assist learners to undertake an activity to create artificial rain in the school.