--- title: Understanding The Water Cycle | Engaging K-8 Science Lessons | KnowAtom description: Explore the water cycle through hands-on lessons for kindergarten students, fostering understanding of water movement between Earth's surface and atmosphere. --- More Lessons for Your State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Other NGSS # The Water Cycle This page is a high level extract from lesson 4 where kindergarten students develop a model to show how water is cycled between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. See KnowAtom For Your State - [Alabama](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-alabama) - [Alaska](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-alaska) - [Arizona](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-arizona) - [Arkansas](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-arkansas) - [California](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-california) - [Colorado](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-colorado) - [Connecticut](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-connecticut) - [Delaware](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-delaware) - [District of Columbia](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-district-of-columbia) - [Florida](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-florida) - [Georgia](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-georgia) - [Hawaii](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-hawaii) - [Idaho](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-idaho) - [Illinois](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-illinois) - [Indiana](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-indiana) - [Iowa](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-iowa) - [Kansas](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-kansas) - [Kentucky](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-kentucky) - [Louisiana](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-louisiana) - [Maine](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-maine) - [Maryland](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-maryland) - [Massachusetts](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-massachusetts) - [Michigan](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-michigan) - [Minnesota](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-minnesota) - [Mississippi](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-mississippi) - [Missouri](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-missouri) - [Montana](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-montana) - [Nebraska](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-nebraska) - [Nevada](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-nevada) - [New Hampshire](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-new-hampshire) - [New Jersey](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-new-jersey) - [New Mexico](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-new-mexico) - [New York](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-new-york) - [North Carolina](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-north-carolina) - [North Dakota](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-north-dakota) - [Ohio](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-ohio) - [Oklahoma](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-oklahoma) - [Oregon](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-oregon) - [Pennsylvania](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-pennsylvania) - [Rhode Island](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-rhode-island) - [South Carolina](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-south-carolina) - [South Dakota](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-south-dakota) - [Tennessee](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-tennessee) - [Texas](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-texas) - [Utah](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-utah) - [Vermont](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-vermont) - [Virginia](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-virginia) - [Washington](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-washington) - [West Virginia](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-west-virginia) - [Wisconsin](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-wisconsin) - [Wyoming](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-wyoming) - [Other NGSS](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum-ngss) ## Science Background for Teachers: This teacher background is intended to provide teachers with an in-depth explanation of the scientific phenomena that students will be exploring in multiple lessons of a larger unit. It seeks to answer the deeper “how” and “why” questions that teachers may have about the concepts being investigated. Understanding how water changes from a solid to a liquid or a gas is important for understanding how water moves around the planet, which is a major driver of weather conditions on Earth. In this lesson, students use different materials to create a model of the water cycle. The water cycle refers to the circulation of water from a collection to the atmosphere and back to Earth. How much water falls onto Earth, how quickly liquid water evaporates, and how much is stored in collection changes depending on location and time of year. #### Supports Grade k ![Sneak Peek Seal with Arrow](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Sneak%20Peek%20Seal%20with%20Arrow.svg) ## Science Lesson: Modeling 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. [Download a Sample Unit ](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum#state) ## Science Big Ideas - 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. ![sample unit-k8 science curriculum-knowatom](https://www.knowatom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sample%20Unit%20CTA-2.png?width=327&height=264&name=Sample%20Unit%20CTA-2.png) ###### Discover Complete Hands-on Screens-off Core Science Curriculum for K-8 Classrooms Prepared hands-on materials, full year grade-specific curriculum, and personalized live professional development designed to support mastery of current state science standards. [Click Here to Learn More](https://www.knowatom.com/talk-to-knowatom-sales) ## Science Essential Questions - 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? ## Common Science Misconceptions ![close-circle-red](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Icon%20ionic-ios-close-circle-red-1.svg) **Misconception:** The seasons cause weather to change. ![checkmark-circle-green](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Icon%20ionic-ios-checkmark-circle-green.svg) **Fact:** Seasons have specific weather patterns associated with them, but they aren’t the cause of the weather. ![close-circle-red](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Icon%20ionic-ios-close-circle-red-1.svg) **Misconception****:** Snow and ice make it cold. ![checkmark-circle-green](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Icon%20ionic-ios-checkmark-circle-green.svg) **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. ## Science Vocabulary **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 ## Lexile(R) Certified Non-Fiction Science Reading (Excerpt) ![image2](https://www.knowatom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Grade/image2.png?width=262&height=340&name=image2.png) ![image3](https://www.knowatom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Grade/image3.png?width=264&height=340&name=image3.png) ## Hands-on Science Activity 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. [ Learn More About KnowAtom ](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum) ## Science Assessments KnowAtom incorporates formative and summative assessments designed to make students thinking visible for deeper student-centered learning. - Vocabulary Check - Lab Checkpoints - Concept Check Assessment  - Concept Map Assessment  - And More... [Download a Sample Unit ](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum#state) ![image1](https://www.knowatom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Grade/image1.png?width=598&height=756&name=image1.png) ![alabama state standard](https://www.knowatom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alabama-State-Standards-Alignment-1.png?width=540&height=402&name=Alabama-State-Standards-Alignment-1.png) ###### See How KnowAtom Aligns to NGSS Science Standards Discover hands-on screens-off core science curriculum for student centered K-8 classrooms. KnowAtom supports classrooms with all hands-on materials, curriculum, and professional development to support mastery of the standards. [Download the Alignment to NGSS](https://www.knowatom.com/stem-curriculum) ** Standards Tags: ** [K-PS3-1](https://www.knowatom.com/k-ps3-1) , [K-ESS2-1](https://www.knowatom.com/k-ess2-1) , [K.1.3](https://www.knowatom.com/k.1.3) , [K.PS1.2](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ps1.2) , [1.ESS1.1](https://www.knowatom.com/1.ess1.1) , [2.ESS2.4](https://www.knowatom.com/2.ess2.4) , [SKE2](https://www.knowatom.com/ske2) , [S1E1](https://www.knowatom.com/s1e1) , [K.E1U1.3](https://www.knowatom.com/k.e1u1.3) , [K.E1U1.4](https://www.knowatom.com/k.e1u1.4) , [0E.1.1.1.1](https://www.knowatom.com/0e.1.1.1.1) , [K.ESS2.D.1](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ess2.d.1) , [3.3.K.A](https://www.knowatom.com/3.3.k.a) , [K.ESS.1](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ess.1) , [1.ESS.2](https://www.knowatom.com/1.ess.2) , [2.ESS.2](https://www.knowatom.com/2.ess.2) , [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) , [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) , [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) , [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) , [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) , [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate) , [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer) , [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) , [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect) , [Earth's Systems 9](https://www.knowatom.com/earths-systems-9) , ### Supports Grade K #### Science Standards - [K-PS3-1](https://www.knowatom.com/k-ps3-1) - [K-ESS2-1](https://www.knowatom.com/k-ess2-1) - [K.1.3](https://www.knowatom.com/k.1.3) - [K.PS1.2](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ps1.2) - [1.ESS1.1](https://www.knowatom.com/1.ess1.1) - [2.ESS2.4](https://www.knowatom.com/2.ess2.4) - [SKE2](https://www.knowatom.com/ske2) - [S1E1](https://www.knowatom.com/s1e1) - [K.E1U1.3](https://www.knowatom.com/k.e1u1.3) - [K.E1U1.4](https://www.knowatom.com/k.e1u1.4) - [0E.1.1.1.1](https://www.knowatom.com/0e.1.1.1.1) - [K.ESS2.D.1](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ess2.d.1) - [3.3.K.A](https://www.knowatom.com/3.3.k.a) - [K.ESS.1](https://www.knowatom.com/k.ess.1) - [1.ESS.2](https://www.knowatom.com/1.ess.2) - [2.ESS.2](https://www.knowatom.com/2.ess.2) - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) - [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) - [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate) - [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer) - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) - [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect) - [Earth's Systems 9](https://www.knowatom.com/earths-systems-9) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "USA", "addressLocality" : "Salem", "addressRegion" : "MA", "postalCode" : "01970", "streetAddress" : "27 Congress Suite 410" }, "alternateName" : "KA", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "+42.5182274", "longitude" : "-70.8877569" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "Next Generation Science STEM Curriculum", "email" : "fvigeant@knowatom.com", "image" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KA-GSD.png", "logo" : "https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Knowatom-2017/Image/logo-1.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/the-water-cycle", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Explore the water cycle through hands-on lessons for kindergarten students, fostering understanding of water movement between Earth's surface and atmosphere." }, "name" : "KnowAtom", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/KnowAtom", "https://twitter.com/KnowAtom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0rbN0RfqaU1xaISrdVpTA", "https://plus.google.com/110709105138117096940" ], "telephone" : "(617) 475-3475", "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knowatom.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos", "name" : "Science Phenomena Videos", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science", "name" : "Kindergarten Science", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/the-water-cycle", "name" : "The Water Cycle", "position" : 4 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : [ "WebPage", "LearningResource" ], "description" : "Explore the water cycle through hands-on lessons for kindergarten students, fostering understanding of water movement between Earth's surface and atmosphere.", "educationalLevel" : "Elementary School", "learningResourceType" : [ "lesson plan", "hands-on activity", "phenomena video" ], "name" : "GKU1L4 The Water Cycle", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "KnowAtom", "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com" }, "teaches" : [ "life cycle", "metamorphosis", "pollination" ], "url" : "https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/kindergarten-science/the-water-cycle" } ```