Sid the Science Kid is an educational animated television series using comedy to promote exploration, discovery and science readiness among preschoolers. This landmark production, co-produced by The Jim Henson Company and KCET/Los Angeles for PBS KIDS features a practical in-school science curriculum, uses music and humor to celebrate children's natural curiosity about science in everyday life. The energetic and inquisitive 5-year-old Sid starts each episode with a new question ("Why are my shoes shrinking?" "Why do bananas get mushy?") and embarks on a fun-filled day of finding answers with the help of family and friends. Watch this Fall at 8:30 am Monday-Friday; 7:30 am Saturday and Sunday.
WHYY Kids Club and Sid the Science Kid
Winter is almost here! Children can learn many basic thinking skills when they observe weather - cause and effect, for example. After watching one of the many episodes that focuses on changes in weather - Sid's Rainy Play Date or The Wind Did It, to name a few - try one of these Super Fab Lab Investigations to get your children excited about weather!
Sid's Activities:
Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away »
Purpose (What We're Going to Explore and Learn)
Put on your raincoats because we're heading outside to use our senses to observe rain and rain clouds! How does rain feel on your skin? Maybe you'll even want to observe it with your tongue! Listen carefully. How does the rain sound? What do rain clouds look like?
We can also observe changes in the world around us when it rains. Do you notice worms? Where do you find puddles? Have you ever noticed those downspouts on your house or school? Check out what they do when it rains.
Materials (The Stuff We Need)
Raincoats, boots, umbrellas or other gear to keep us (mostly) dry in the rain.
Procedure (What to Do)
Dress to stay dry, and head outside.
Use your senses to observe the rain. How does it look, feel on your skin, taste, and sound? Does rain have a scent?
Observe the rain clouds, too. Describe how they look. How are they different from the clouds on a sunny day?
Now let's check out some of the effects of rain. What are some changes caused by rain? Go on a puddle hunt. Where does the rain gather? Can you find a tiny puddle, maybe in a leaf? Can you find a really, really big puddle? Do you see worms? How many worms can you find?
Other Stuff You Might Want to Know or Do
- If you don't have the time to head out into the rain, you can still make a lot of observations from the house or car. You can see the clouds from the window. You can also observe the rain on the windows. How do the raindrops move on the window? Can you see any puddles from where you are? Close your eyes and listen carefully to the rain. Describe how it sounds.
- If the weather forecast is sunny for a few days after a storm, consider watching how a puddle changes in the sun. After the rain stops, choose a puddle on concrete or blacktop. Draw its outline with chalk. What will happen to the puddle in the sunshine? How many days will it take for the puddle to disappear? Check the puddle each day to observe how much smaller it is than the day before.
Watch on the Web!
See how this investigation is done online!
Rain Observation »
Sing Along!
Learn this song to sing out loud with your children when it rains!
I'm Gonna Be a Big Rain Cloud
Lyrics:
Three little clouds were hanging around,
Floating above the land,
One little cloud was dreaming out loud, and this was her plan
She said "I've got big dreams, I'm gonna make you proud
I'm gonna grow and grow and grow,
Till I'm a big rain cloud,
Oh, yes I am"
So the little white cloud floated over the plains
'Cause she read once in the paper
That all the clouds need to make rain
There's a whole lot to water vapor.
She said "I've got big dreams, I'm gonna say it loud
I'm gonna grow and grow and grow
Till I'm a big rain cloud
Oh yes I am"
That little cloud she grew into the biggest cloud in the nation
And then her thunder rolled
And down it came: precipitation!
Water!
Well her raindrops fell and watered the ground,
And fed all the plants and flowers
And the birds and the bees and the mango trees
They all got their healthy shower.
She said" I've got big dreams, and I'm awfully proud
I'm putting on a show with a bright rainbow,
'Cause I'm a big rain cloud!"
For ALL the Super Fab Lab Investigations and Videos visit pbskids.org/sid/parentsteachers
and pbs.org/parents/sid/activitiesIndex.html in the "Weather" cycle.
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