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. Here sketching is for a 45 min class. Prototyping offers more depth and experiential learning, but also asks for more time.

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 method can be useful methods here.

6

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

Didactic tips:

  • Design criteria: give groups 3–4 success criteria (e.g. collects the most water, minimal leaks, easy to build, uses recycled materials) to guide their designs and evaluations.
  • Gallery walk: instead of only presenting, let groups visit each other’s models, leaving one compliment and one suggestion on sticky notes. This encourages active observation and peer learning.
  • In case of actually building a water reservoire, predict before testing: Before pouring water into their model, have students predict where the water will flow and where problems might occur. Afterwards, compare predictions with the results.
GreenComp: 2.1 Systems thinking, 3.3 Exploratory thinking, 4.3 Individual initiative
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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: