This is an inquiry-based, hands-on activity that has been created to engage students in designing and testing a rain gauge. Throughout this one-hour lesson, students are given an engineering problem (measuring precipitation), easily obtainable materials and tools, and time to design and test their rain gauges. Students will simulate rain to test the gauge and compare their results. The comparison of results leads to a discussion about the need for a standardized calibration system to be used to get precise measurements that are reliable. Students are then introduced to the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and learn how GPM will measure precipitation around the globe in new ways.  

Download Resources:

(right-click -> save as)

• Teacher Guide (pdf)
• Student Capture Sheet (pdf)
• Powerpoint (ppt)

Other "Survivor: Earth" Lessons:

The following lessons have been developed to teach students about local and global water issues. They are based on NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission and an instructional module designed for Montgomery County Public Schools Outdoor Environmental Education Program (http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/). 

1. Connect the Spheres: Earth Systems Interaction
2. Earth's Water
3. The Water Cycle
4. Water in the Hydrosphere
5. Water in the Geosphere
6. Water in the Biosphere
7. Water in the Atmosphere
8. Measuring Precipitation
9. Water Conservation
10. The Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM)