Rain

Look at pavements and roads when it has been raining, especially once it dark. Notice the wonderful glistening which occurs when the streetlights and car headlights shine down on the wet surface. When you are driving in the rain in the dark, show your child how the car’s headlights light up a very shiny road and highlight the spray from excess water on the road’s surface.

Ask your child to look out for reflections on wet surfaces. When walking along the pavement when it has been raining, look out for the multicolored effects you may be able to see in the gutter, caused by oil dispersing on water. Why might your child see these patterns at the side of road? Explain how some oil escapes from cars when they are parked at the roadside. Can he tell you what will happen when the sun comes out again?