The Water Cycle

Dear Educators,

The Water Cycle is an important element for 5th grade students to understand when first diving into science. In this unit, students will learn how evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection/ runoff makes up the Water Cycle. Understanding how these four concepts makes up the Water Cycle will give children an idea on where water comes from and why we should keep our water clean.

Includes: Student Learning Objectives, videos, pictures, discussion questions, and follow up activities/ homework assignments

Learning objectives:

Once completing this lesson students will be able to:

• Explain what evaporation is.

• Explain what condensation is.

• Explain what precipitation is.

• Explain what collection/ run off is.

• Explain why it is important to keep our water clean.

What is Evaporation?

The process of changing a liquid to a gas!

What is condensation?

The process where water vapor turns into liquid water!

What is precipitation?

Water falling from Earths atmosphere to Earths surface!

What is runoff?

Water that was not soaked into Earths soil and runs off into other nearby bodies of water!

What are the four stages of the Water Cycle?

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff!

Why do you think the Water Cycle is important?

Water Cycle Review:

A tool used by the author to help readers visualize and remember what they just learned in the story.

• Evaporation: The process of changing a liquid to a gas!

• Condensation: The process where water vapor turns into liquid water!

• Precipitation: Water falling from Earths atmosphere to Earths surface!

• Runoff: Water that was not soaked into Earths soil and runs off into other nearby bodies of water!

Discussion:

• What are two kinds of different precipitation you might see throughout the year?

  •  Rain, snow, hail, freezing rain, sleet, etc.

• Where does most of Earths water evaporate from?

  • Large bodies of water like lakes, oceans, and seas.

• What would life be without water?

  • We can not live without water and either can other living things. We would not be able to live without water here on Earth.

• What are five things you use water for everyday?

  • Washing hands, taking a shower, drinking, making food, washing cloths, washing dishes, watering plants, etc.