ACTIVITY

Watering the School Garden by Collecting Rain

Students design and build a simple rainwater collection model to learn how rain can be captured, stored, filtered, and used to water a garden sustainably.

1

Introduction. Discuss water waste and water shortages in some regions. Introduce rainwater harvesting: collecting and reusing rainwater for watering land.

2

How a Rainwater System Works. Use diagrams or a short video to explain the steps:

  1. Collection (roof/canopy)
  2. Filtration (mesh/screen)
  3. Storage (barrel/tank)
  4. Distribution (tap, hose, drip system)
  5. Overflow (prevents flooding)
3

Group Design & Build. Students work in small groups to sketch or build a mini rainwater collection model, using simple or recycled materials (e.g., bottles as tanks). Encourage practical and creative solutions.

The methods of Sketching and Prototyping are useful here.

4

Test, Observe, Improve. Students test how water flows and collects in their model, note problems, and suggest improvements.

5

Present & Give Feedback. Each group presents their model and explains how it works.  Peers give brief feedback on clarity, practicality, and sustainability.

The Team Rotation and the 4-Feedback method can be useful methods here.

6

Present & Give Feedback. Each group presents their model and explains how it works. Peers give brief feedback on clarity, practicality, and sustainability.

7

Reflect. Students summarise what they learned about water conservation, sustainable gardening, and resource management.

Didactic tips:

The lesson can be extended into a whole project day activity. The students work outside on the garden and together make a real water collection system

GreenComp:
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InvestigateCreate
THEME:
Nature & biodiversity
TIME: 45 minutes
AGE: 10-12 years, 13-15 years

SUBJECTS:

  • Nature sciences
  • Mathematics

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Plastic bottles (2l)
  • Funnels
  • Straws of short hoses
  • Small containers or cups (for model activity)
  • Rainwater (if available) or tap water for simulation
  • Mesh
  • Paper
  • Writing materials

METHODS:

RESOURCES: