🌧️ Measuring Rainfall

🌧️Rainfall

Have you ever watched raindrops fall from the sky and wondered how people know how much rain fell?
Today, we’ll learn how to measure rainfall and why rain is important for plants, animals, and people

🌧️ What Is Rainfall?

Rainfall is the amount of rain that falls in a certain place during a certain time. It is measured in millimetres (mm).
For example, if 20 mm of rain falls in Gaborone, that means the rainwater is 20 mm deep in a container.

🧪 How Do We Measure Rainfall?

We use a special tool called a rain-gauge to measure rainfall.

A rain-gauge collects rain in a small container. To make sure the measurement is correct, the rain-gauge is placed:

✔️ In an open space (not under trees or roofs)
✔️ 30 cm above the ground
✔️ Away from anything that might splash water into it

Once rain is collected, we check how much is inside the gauge and write it down in millimetres (mm).

Why Is Rain Important?

Rain helps plants grow and gives us fresh water to drink. But too much or too little rain can cause problems.

Here are some effects of rain on the environment:

🌱 When it rains well:

• Grass and crops grow

• Animals have water to drink

• Rivers and dams get filled

• Soil becomes healthy and plants look green

⚠️ When there is too much rain (flooding):

• Water can wash away houses and roads

• Soil can be carried away

• Livestock and wild animals can drown

🥵 When there is no rain (drought):

• Grass dries up

• Crops fail

• Animals die because there is no water or food

🧠 Let’s Remember!

🔹 A rain-gauge is used to measure rainfall
🔹 Rainfall is measured in millimetres (mm)
🔹 Rain helps plants, animals, and people
🔹 Too much or too little rain can harm the environment

#BrainyBana #Standard4Science #Rainfall #WeatherBotswana #ScienceForKids #RainMatters