Water Cycle
Objectives
➧ Understand the 4 stages of the water cycle➧ Identify and describe each stage
➧ Sequence the water cycle correctly
➧ Learn why water is important
Introduction
Hi friends!➧ Today we are learning about something amazing… the water cycle!
➧ Did you know water is always moving around the Earth?
➧ Water travels from oceans and lakes into the sky, then comes back down as rain!
➧ Let’s discover how water moves step by step!
Warm-up Questions
➧ Have you seen rain before?➧ What happens to puddles after the sun comes out?
➧ Where do clouds come from?
The Water Cycle
Water moves in stages
1. Evaporation
➧ The sun heats water in oceans, lakes, rivers, and puddles➧ The water changes into vapor and rises into the air
➧ Water vapor is an invisible gas
Key idea
➧ Water goes up into the sky
2. Condensation
➧ High in the sky, the water vapor cools down➧ Tiny water droplets form clouds
➧ Clouds gather together in the sky
Key idea
➧ Water forms clouds
3. Precipitation
➧ Clouds become heavy with water➧ Water falls back to Earth as
➧ Rain
➧ Snow
➧ Hail
➧ Sleet
Key idea
➧ Water falls from the sky
4. Collection
➧ Water collects in oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds➧ Some water goes into the ground
➧ The cycle starts again
Key idea
➧ Water gathers together again
Why Water Is Important
➧ Water helps plants grow➧ Animals and people need water to live
➧ Water helps us drink, wash, and cook
➧ Rain gives water to rivers and lakes