Making rainfall (fractal!) features fun: scientific activities for teaching young children

Abstract

Abstract. Research projects now rely on an array of different channels to increase impact, including high-level scientific output, tools and equipment, but also communication, outreach and educational activities. This paper focuses on education for young children and presents activities that aim to help them (and their teachers) grasp some of the complex underlying scientific issues in environmental fields. More generally, it helps children to become familiarized with science and scientists, with the aim to enhance scientific culture and promote careers in this field. The activities developed are focused on rainfall: design of a disdrometer to observe the variety of drop sizes, careful recording of successive dry and rainy days and reproducing patterns using a simple model based on fractal random multiplicative cascades, and the production of a scientific book with, and for, children. These activities are discussed in the context of current state of art pedagogical practices and goals set by project funders, especially in a European Union framework.