Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and explain the water cycle.
Materials and Prep
- Water
- Clear glass or plastic jar
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber band
- Marker
- Scissors
- Sunlight
No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.
Activities
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Label your jar with "Water Cycle Model".
Fill the jar about one-third full with water.
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Cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
This represents the atmosphere and prevents water from escaping.
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Place the jar in a sunny spot, such as near a window.
This will simulate the heat from the sun.
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Observe the jar over the next few days.
Look for changes in the water level and the formation of condensation.
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Discuss the observations and explain how it represents the water cycle.
Make sure to cover evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Third Grade Talking Points
- "The water cycle is the process of how water moves around the Earth."
- "Water evaporates from bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers, and even from plants."
- "When water evaporates, it turns into invisible water vapor, which rises up into the sky."
- "As the water vapor rises higher, it cools down and turns back into tiny water droplets, forming clouds."
- "When the water droplets in the clouds get too heavy, they fall back to the ground as precipitation."
- "Precipitation can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature."
- "The water cycle is important because it helps to distribute fresh water all around the Earth."
- "Without the water cycle, we wouldn't have rain, rivers, or even drinking water!"