Catch and Bake Raindrops

We have had so much rain lately, I can't help but do this oldie but goodie with Little Mister today! The neat part about it is, it's all new to him AND he gets to play in the rain! Score!

Objective- Awareness of Immediate Surroundings, notices characteristics of weather.  (MS Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers: Scientific Development 3.2.1

Materials- Shallow baking pan, flour, sifter

Procedure-
1. Fill baking pan with flour about 1/2 inch deep.
2. Stand out in the rain with the baking pan for several minutes allowing ample time to collect raindrops. If it is raining to hard you might want to just hold the baking pan out the door to collect the raindrops! It's your choice!
3. Place the baking pan and captured raindrops in a 180 degree C pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes.
4. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
5. Spoon some flour into a sifter and collect your prize!

We talked about how they are different sizes and shapes.  With older kiddos you could also discuss the Water Cycle with this activity! "Evaporation makes it Rain Rain!" I love Bill Nye the Science Guy! Although my college chemistry professor said he was just a script reader!!! I guess they had bad chemistry... sorry about that!
By the way, check out the Water Cycle Jump song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kvqAxgFRyk

Flour feels weird

Capturing some raindrops

Sifting for treasure

check these out!