The Water Cycle Explained Simply

A journey through nature's recycling system Year 6 Science Understanding how water moves around our planet

What is the Water Cycle?

Water constantly moves around our planet It changes from liquid to gas to solid and back again The same water has been recycling for millions of years Every drop of water you drink has been part of this cycle!

Step 1: Evaporation

The sun heats up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers Water changes from liquid to invisible water vapor This water vapor rises up into the sky Most evaporation happens from the ocean

Let's Act Out Evaporation!

Stand up and pretend to be water molecules Start close together (liquid water) The sun comes out - spread apart slowly Rise up on your tiptoes (becoming water vapor)

Step 2: Condensation

Water vapor rises high where it's very cold The cold makes water vapor turn back into tiny water droplets These droplets stick to dust particles in the sky Millions of droplets together form clouds

The Water Cycle in Action

Step 3: Precipitation

Water droplets in clouds get bigger and heavier When they're too heavy, they fall as rain, snow, or hail This brings fresh water back to Earth's surface Different temperatures create different types of precipitation

Collection: Where Does the Water Go?

{"left":"Water flows into rivers and streams\nSome soaks into the ground (groundwater)\nRivers carry water back to lakes and oceans","right":"Plants and animals use some water\nThe cycle begins again with evaporation"}

Quick Check: Can You Complete the Cycle?

Starting with the sun heating water... What happens next? Then what forms in the sky? How does water return to Earth? Where does it go after that?