Activity Overview
All types of precipitation are made of mainly water (H2O), but can contain other substances. An example of precipitation that is not pure water is acid rain, which can be caused when sulfur dioxide is released after burning coal. The sulfur dioxide can dissolve in clouds, turning the water acidic. This then causes the pH of the rainwater to decrease. The state (solid or liquid) in which the precipitation falls depends on atmospheric conditions such as temperature and pressure.
In this activity, students will identify and describe different types of precipitation. They should focus on the main four, but may also describe acid rain and diamond dust, which is another form of precipitation which occurs sometimes in locations that are very cold. Diamond dust is composed of very small ice crystals that reflect light as they fall through the air, appearing like specks of diamond.
Precipitation Types
- Hail
- Sleet and Freezing Rain
- Snow
- Rain
To further your students’ understanding about how water moves on our planet, check out our resources on the Water Cycle.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that shows examples of the different types of precipitation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four different types of precipitation and write them as the titles of the cells
- Create a visualization or find an image on Photos for Class to illustrate your idea.
- Write a description under each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Types of Precipitation | Four types of precipitation have been correctly identified. | At least three types of precipitation have been correctly identified. | At least two types of precipitation have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every precipitation type has a correct image. | At least three precipitation types have a correct image. | At least two precipitation types have a correct image. |
| Descriptions | All the precipitation types have a clear description which contains good scientific vocabulary. | At least three the precipitation types have a clear description. | At least two precipitation types have a clear description. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
All types of precipitation are made of mainly water (H2O), but can contain other substances. An example of precipitation that is not pure water is acid rain, which can be caused when sulfur dioxide is released after burning coal. The sulfur dioxide can dissolve in clouds, turning the water acidic. This then causes the pH of the rainwater to decrease. The state (solid or liquid) in which the precipitation falls depends on atmospheric conditions such as temperature and pressure.
In this activity, students will identify and describe different types of precipitation. They should focus on the main four, but may also describe acid rain and diamond dust, which is another form of precipitation which occurs sometimes in locations that are very cold. Diamond dust is composed of very small ice crystals that reflect light as they fall through the air, appearing like specks of diamond.
Precipitation Types
- Hail
- Sleet and Freezing Rain
- Snow
- Rain
To further your students’ understanding about how water moves on our planet, check out our resources on the Water Cycle.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that shows examples of the different types of precipitation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four different types of precipitation and write them as the titles of the cells
- Create a visualization or find an image on Photos for Class to illustrate your idea.
- Write a description under each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Types of Precipitation | Four types of precipitation have been correctly identified. | At least three types of precipitation have been correctly identified. | At least two types of precipitation have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every precipitation type has a correct image. | At least three precipitation types have a correct image. | At least two precipitation types have a correct image. |
| Descriptions | All the precipitation types have a clear description which contains good scientific vocabulary. | At least three the precipitation types have a clear description. | At least two precipitation types have a clear description. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Types of Precipitation
Engage Students with a Hands-On Precipitation Experiment
Capture students' curiosity by using a simple classroom experiment to demonstrate how precipitation forms. Hands-on activities make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable for young learners.
Gather everyday materials for a safe classroom demo
Collect clear cups, hot water, ice cubes, zip-top bags, and shaving cream. Using common items ensures the activity is accessible and easy to set up in any classroom.
Demonstrate cloud formation and precipitation
Fill a clear cup with hot water, cover the top with a zip-top bag of ice, and observe. The warm water creates vapor that condenses on the cold surface, mimicking cloud formation and precipitation droplets.
Guide students to record and discuss observations
Ask students to draw or write what they see. Encourage them to use science vocabulary like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation to explain their findings.
Connect the experiment to real-world weather events
Lead a class discussion linking the demo to types of precipitation outside. Help students relate their observations to rain, snow, sleet, and hail, reinforcing the lesson's relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Precipitation
What are the main types of precipitation for students to learn?
The main types of precipitation are rain, snow, sleet (including freezing rain), and hail. Each type forms under different atmospheric conditions and plays a role in Earth's water cycle.
How can I teach the types of precipitation to elementary students?
You can use a spider map activity where students identify and illustrate the four main types of precipitation. Ask them to write descriptions and find images, making the lesson interactive and visual.
What is the difference between sleet and freezing rain?
Sleet occurs when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before hitting the ground. Freezing rain stays liquid until it lands, then freezes on contact with cold surfaces, creating a glaze of ice.
Why does precipitation sometimes fall as snow instead of rain?
Snow forms when the temperature in the clouds and near the ground is below freezing, causing water vapor to crystallize into snowflakes rather than forming liquid raindrops.
What is acid rain and how does it form?
Acid rain forms when pollutants like sulfur dioxide dissolve in cloud water, making the rain more acidic. This can lower the pH of rainwater and harm the environment.
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