Water Cycle: Nature's Amazing Journey

Water Cycle: Nature's Amazing Journey

Grade 5 Science Exploring Earth's Water System I can describe how water moves through our environment

What is the Water Cycle?

I can explain that the water cycle is water's journey around Earth Water moves between oceans, air, and land The same water has been cycling for millions of years It never stops moving!

The Four Main Steps

I can name the four steps of the water cycle 1. Evaporation - water becomes vapor 2. Condensation - vapor becomes clouds 3. Precipitation - water falls as rain or snow 4. Collection - water gathers in rivers and oceans

Step 1: Evaporation

Let's Try Evaporation!

I can observe evaporation happening Breathe on a cold window or mirror Watch your breath disappear That's water vapor from your lungs! The warm air makes water evaporate

Step 2: Condensation

I can explain how clouds form Water vapor rises high into the sky The air gets colder as it goes up Cold vapor turns back into tiny water droplets Millions of droplets make clouds!

Think About It!

I can predict what happens next in the water cycle Clouds are full of water droplets What do you think happens when clouds get too heavy? Have you ever seen different types of precipitation?

Step 3: Precipitation

I can identify different types of precipitation Water droplets in clouds get bigger and heavier They fall back to Earth as precipitation Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all precipitation It depends on how cold the air is!

Step 4: Collection

I can trace where water goes after precipitation Water flows into streams and rivers Rivers carry water back to oceans and lakes Some water soaks into the ground Plants and animals use this water Then the cycle starts again!

Remember This!

I can remember that the water cycle never stops "The water you drink today might have once been in a cloud, a river, or even a dinosaur!" Water is constantly recycling itself around our planet