All lessons › Where does the water go? › Lesson 4
Australian primary science · Year 4 · Lesson 4 of 4
Where does rain go?
Inquiry question: Which soil lets rain soak in fastest?
Check practical materials
Fair testing
What students learn
When rain lands, some soaks into the ground and some runs off into rivers and the ocean. Different soils let water through at different speeds.
Success criteria
- I can keep the amount of water the same.
- I can measure how much water drains through.
- I can explain why some soils soak up rain faster.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know precipitation and collection (lesson 3).
- Plastic bottles cut into funnel and cup — 39 (3 per pair)
- Paper towel or coffee filters — 39
- Sand, garden soil, clay — 1 cup each per pair
- Measuring jugs — 13
- Timers — 13
Teacher setup
- Prepare bottle funnels in advance.
- Use dry soil, with clay crumbled finely and pressed down lightly so there are no big cracks.
Safety and adaptations
- Wash hands after handling soil.
- Bottle edges taped to avoid cuts.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Write your plan.
- Put the same amount of each soil in a funnel lined with paper.
- Pour 100 mL of water on each and start the timer.
- After 2 minutes, measure how much water drained through.
- Order the soils from fastest to slowest.
Teacher modelling prompt
Model the plan: change the soil type; measure how much water drains through in 2 minutes; keep the same amount of soil, amount of water and timing.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: Which soil lets water drain through fastest?
| Soil | Water poured (mL) | Water drained in 2 min (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Who uses the evidence better?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What can happen to rain when it lands?
Explain with evidence: Why did every soil get exactly 100 mL of water?
Apply the idea: A new car park replaces grass. What happens to run-off? Why?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.