The Water Cycle

In this lesson students construct a model for how water moves around the planet through the water cycle, which is the movement of water around Earth as it changes from a solid to a liquid or gas and back. Students construct their understanding of the water cycle by engaging in circle time reading and learning a water cycle song. Students then engage in a group discussion and build their own models of the water cycle to unpack their understanding of how the water cycle is a continuous process on our planet. They will carry this understanding forward as they engage with phenomena hands-on as scientists and engineers in future lessons.

• Water changes from a solid to a liquid or gas and back in the water cycle.
• Energy from the sun becomes heat that drives the water cycle.
• Rain and snow are one step of the water cycle. They are both forms of precipitation, which occurs when water falls from the sky.
• Water vapor is the gas form of water. It is a gas because we cannot see it but it fills the air.
• Condensation forms clouds, which are groups of tiny water droplets and ice crystals that collect in the sky.

• When have you seen steps of the water cycle?
• How is water vapor different from liquid water and ice?
• How does liquid water turn into water vapor?
• What causes liquid water to heat up?
• When do you think water would be more likely to evaporate, when it’s hot outside or when it’s cold outside?
• What do you think clouds are made of? What is the connection between clouds and rain?
• Why are clouds part of the water cycle?
• Why is the water cycle called a cycle?

Misconception: The seasons cause weather to change.

Fact: Seasons have specific weather patterns associated with them, but they aren’t the cause of the weather.

Misconception: Snow and ice make it cold.

Fact: Snow and ice form when temperatures are low enough. In other words, cold weather causes snow and ice to form, not the other way around.

Cloud : groups of tiny water droplets and ice crystals that collect in the sky

Rain : water that falls in liquid drops from the sky

Sun : an object that appears in the sky and gives us warmth and light

Water vapor : the gas form of water

This mini-lesson is a hands-on exploration of how water is cycled between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Students use various materials to create a model that demonstrates the energy and water flow through stages of the water cycle. After listening to a read aloud that explains how water evaporates when heat is present, students are encouraged to ask questions as they develop their understanding of the water cycle. Then, students build a water cycle model and discuss their discoveries and connections to each step of the water cycle. Students are encouraged to share their connections with each other and build on each other’s questions and comments to stimulate further scientific exploration in future lessons.