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Umbrella Testing Company

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Grades K-230-45 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids build mini umbrellas from different materials and put them through a simulated rainstorm. It's a splashy way to compare materials and improve a design through testing.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 15 minActivity: 40 min1 session~$2/groupOne table or clear floor areaBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather only common or recycled items needed to build a mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials. Place the materials beside a simple recording sheet or blank paper, and prepare the Umbrella Testing Company challenge in one working area; no digital device is needed.

Activity

  1. Predict which material, paper or plastic, will keep a toy figure driest during a rainstorm.
  2. Build a mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials.
  3. Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials.
  4. Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Done when: The learner completes Umbrella Testing Company after carrying out this core test: Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials. The learner then uses that result to complete the final task: Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Materials

Paper or plastic sheeting, craft sticks or straws, tape, a spray bottle, cups to catch water

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Predict which material, paper or plastic, will keep a toy figure driest during a rainstorm.
  2. Build a mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials.
  3. Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials.
  4. Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · 2-PS1-2

    Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.