Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the water cycle and its importance in the environment.
Materials and Prep
- A clear glass or cup
- A small plate or plastic wrap
- A marker
- A small amount of water
- Paper and crayons
- Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
Before starting the lesson, make sure you have a basic understanding of the water cycle and its main components.
Activities
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Draw a simple diagram of the water cycle on a piece of paper. Label the main components such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
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Fill the glass or cup with a small amount of water. Place the plate or plastic wrap on top of the glass, making sure it is sealed tightly.
Leave the setup in a sunny spot for a few hours. Observe what happens to the water droplets on the plate or plastic wrap.
Discuss the process of evaporation and condensation that is happening in the glass.
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Research more about the water cycle using a computer or tablet. Find interesting facts or examples to share with your teacher or family.
Third Grade Talking Points
- "The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on Earth."
- "Water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even plants and animals evaporates into the air."
- "When water vapor cools down, it turns back into liquid and forms clouds. This process is called condensation."
- "When the water droplets in the clouds become too heavy, they fall to the ground as precipitation, which can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail."
- "After precipitation, water collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans, and the cycle starts all over again."