Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the water cycle and be able to explain the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. They will also create a diagram to visualize how water moves through the cycle.
Materials and Prep
- Paper
- Pencil or crayons
- Access to a comfortable space for drawing
Before starting the lesson, make sure you have a quiet space to work and that you are ready to have fun while learning about the water cycle!
Activities
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Discussion Starter:
Begin the lesson by asking, "Have you ever wondered where rain comes from or how clouds are made?" Allow the student to share their thoughts and ideas. This will engage their curiosity and set the stage for learning.
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Water Cycle Drawing:
Guide the student in drawing a diagram of the water cycle. Start with the sun, which heats the water in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Show how water evaporates into the air, forms clouds (condensation), and falls back to Earth as rain (precipitation).
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Story Time:
Read a short story or create a fun narrative about a water droplet's journey through the water cycle. Make it interactive by asking the student to imagine what the droplet sees and experiences during evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Talking Points
- "The water cycle is like a big circle where water moves from the ground to the sky and back again!"
- "When the sun shines, it warms up water and turns it into vapor. This process is called evaporation!"
- "Can you see the clouds? They are made of tiny water droplets that come together. This is called condensation!"
- "When the clouds get heavy, they can't hold the water anymore, and it falls back to the ground as rain. This is called precipitation!"
- "What do you think happens to the rain after it falls? It goes back into rivers and lakes, and the cycle starts all over again!"
- "The water cycle is super important because it helps plants grow and keeps our planet healthy!"
- "Did you know that the same water you drink today has been around for millions of years? It’s been through the water cycle many times!"
- "Let’s make our own water droplet character and think of a fun name for it. What adventures will it go on in the water cycle?"