Science W10 The Water Cycle

Do now –
Why is it
important to
understand the

water cycle?

Key words –
Recap Quiz

Condensation

Evaporation

Collection

Precipitation

Water Cycle

•The water you drink today may be
millions of years old!

•Water on Earth has existed since the
beginning of time

•It moves and changes phases through
the water cycle

•The water cycle is how water travels
around Earth

•Why do you think it's important to
understand the water cycle?

WAGOLL

Stage 1: Evaporation

• Sun heats up water in

oceans, lakes, and rivers

• Water changes from

liquid to gas (water
vapor)

• Water vapor rises into

the air

• You can see this happen

if you leave water in an
open container

Stage 2:
Transpiration
•Plants release water
vapor through their
leaves
•Similar to
evaporation, but
from plants

•Water vapor goes
into the air

Stage 3: Condensation
•Water vapor in the air
cools and changes back
to liquid
•This is how clouds form

•You can see
condensation on a cold
drink on a hot day

Stage 4: Precipitation

•When clouds get too heavy, water
falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
•Water returns to Earth's surface
•Gathers in bodies of water or
goes underground

Group activity

1.

Identify the three states of water (liquid,
solid, gas) and provide examples of
each.

2.

Explain at least two reasons why the
water cycle is important for Earth and
living things.

3.

Suggest at least two ways to conserve
and protect water resources.

Try at home

1.

What is precipitation?

2.

What happens during evaporation?

3.

How does water return to the
oceans and lakes after it falls as
precipitation?

4.

Name the stage when water vapor
cools and forms clouds.

5.

What energy source powers the
water cycle?

Try at home answers

1. Water falling from clouds as

rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

2. Liquid water turns into water

vapor and rises into the air.

3. Through runoff, rivers, and

streams.

4. Condensation.

5. The Sun.