Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
A split scene of a flooded creek with cattails and frogs on the left and a dry cracked pond with a thirsty cow on the right.

Science / All lessons / Living Things and Where They Live

Floods and Droughts

Who wins and who loses.

Lesson 37 of 41

Try this first

Before we start

Today’s story

Floods and Droughts

Think of a creek behind a Texas farm. After many days of heavy rain, it spills over its banks. Water covers the fields. This is a flood.

A drought is the opposite. Weeks or months with very little rain. Ponds shrink and grass turns brown.

Both can help and hurt. Frogs may love a flood. Cattle may suffer in a drought. Here are the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Wet and Dry Plants

    20 minutes plus 5 days · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Two small potted plants of the same kind
    • Water
    • A measuring cup
    • A tray
    • A marker
    • A notebook

    Do this

    1. Label one pot Flood and the other Drought.
    2. Give the Flood pot extra water each day.
    3. Give the Drought pot no water.
    4. Keep both in the same light.
    5. Look at them each day.
    6. Draw what you see.
    Write or draw: A chart with the day and the look of each plant.

    Watch for: Notice which plant changes first. Notice what too much water does to the roots.

    Safety: Use a tray to catch water. Do not eat the plants. Wash hands afterward.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1There are winners and losers.

    The same event does both.

    Rule 2Name the living thing.

    Be specific.

    Rule 3Say why.

    Give a reason.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    flood
    Too much water covering land that is usually dry.
    drought
    A long time with very little rain.
    wetland
    A place with soaked soil and lots of water plants.
    survive
    To stay alive.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • How do you know a drought is happening? What signs might you see?
    • Has a flood or drought ever happened near you? Who was helped or hurt?
    Did you know

    Some desert seeds wake up only after a big flood.

    Someone who does this

    A farmer watches rain closely to plan what to plant.

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