Precipitation & Runoff

CLOUDRIVER HIGHLANDS · TRICKLING

Precipitation & Runoff

Rainfall Ravine

Learn with Trickling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

Speech bubbles tell the story. Music and sound effects are optional; use the player’s volume control.

Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Trickling — Precipitation & Runoff Rainfall Ravine

Hi!

I'm Trickling.

Welcome to Rainfall Ravine!

Will you help me investigate precipitation & runoff?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Rain and snow move water from clouds toward the surface as precipitation.

Gravity pulls falling water downward.

What is precipitation?

  • A. Water falling from clouds
  • B. Water only stored underground
  • C. Water turning into vapor

The answer is A: Water falling from clouds

Rain and snow move water from clouds toward the surface as precipitation.

Gravity pulls falling water downward.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Some water flows over the surface as runoff.

Slope, ground cover and how much water enters the soil

influence its path.

What is runoff?

  • A. Water turning into invisible gas
  • B. Water inside leaf cells
  • C. Water flowing over the surface

The answer is C: Water flowing over the surface

Some water flows over the surface as runoff.

Slope, ground cover and how much water enters the soil

influence its path.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our slope map shows a ridge above a stream,

with arrows downhill into the stream.

Water may also soak in or evaporate;

not every drop follows one fixed route.

Which direction follows the slope arrows?

  • A. Straight upward toward the ridge
  • B. Downhill toward the stream
  • C. Uphill without another force

The answer is B: Downhill toward the stream

Our slope map shows a ridge above a stream,

with arrows downhill into the stream.

Water may also soak in or evaporate;

not every drop follows one fixed route.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Rain and snow move water from clouds toward the surface as precipitation.

Some water flows over the surface as runoff.

Our slope map shows a ridge above a stream,

with arrows downhill into the stream.

You're ready to explore Rainfall Ravine with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

Every stop is open to explore!

Free Precipitation & Runoff teacher guide and practice (PDF)

Explore any of the six lessons

Every destination is open. No account, purchase, previous lesson, or completed video is required.