Big Idea 7: Earth Systems and
Patterns
The Water Cycle
SC.5.E.7.1 Create a model to explain the parts of the
water cycle. Water can be a gas, liquid, or solid and
can go back and forth from one state to another. (also
assesses SC.5.E.7.2)
Keisha Kidd, Curriculum Support Specialist
Mary Tweedy, Curriculum Support Specialist
Millard Lightburn, PHD Instructional Supervisor
Department of Mathematics and Science
Item Specifications
Benchmark Clarifications
• Students will identify and/or explain the parts of
the water cycle.
• Students will identify the states of water
associated with each part of the water cycle
and/or the phase changes that occur as water
moves from one part of the water cycle to
another.
• Students will identify and/or describe the role of
the ocean in the water cycle.
Department of Mathematics and Science
The Water Cycle
What are the three main processes?
• Evaporation
• Condensation
• Precipitation
Department of Mathematics and Science
Essential Question:
What will happen to water in a cup
if the cup is placed inside a sealed
bag and left in a warm area?
Department of Mathematics and Science
Water Cycle Activity
EXPLORE
Essential Lab #8 Review (3 – 5 days)
Department of Mathematics and Science
One more look at the
Water Cycle
Let’s Explore:
What causes water to change
from a gas to a liquid to a solid?
Department of Mathematics and Science
What is the Sun’s role?
• Heat from
the sun
changes
water into
water
vapor
Department of Mathematics and Science
What is the process
called when the sun
changes water into water
vapor?
EVAPORATION
Department of Mathematics and Science
What process is
it when water
vapor forms
clouds?
CONDENSATION
Department of Mathematics and Science
What is precipitation?
Rain or snow falls from
clouds
Department of Mathematics and Science
Water Cycle Song
(to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain”)
Water travels in a cycle, yes it does.
Use pointer finger to draw large circle in air.
Water travels in a cycle, yes it does.
Repeat above motion.
It goes up as evaporation,
Raise arms at side with palms up.
Forms clouds as condensation,
Brings hands together above head, forming large cloud shape with arms.
Then falls down as precipitation, yes it does.
Slowly lower arms at side with palms down, fingers moving.
Department of Mathematics and Science
Draw a model of the water cycle in your science journal. Label parts.
Department of Mathematics and Science
Compare you model.
Department of Mathematics and Science
Musical Review
Bill Nye Water Cycle Rap
Video
Mr. Davies Water Cycle
Video
Other Interactive Review Sites
Department of Mathematics and Science
True or False
1. Water can be found naturally on Earth as a solid and
a liquid, but not a gas.
•False
2. The H2O molecule consists of one Hydrogen atom,
and two Oxygen atoms.
•False
3. It takes a lot of heat, or energy, to change the
temperature of water.
•True
4. Water covers approximately 75% of the Earth’s
surface.
•True
Department of Mathematics and Science
Review Questions
1. What is the role of the sun in the water
cycle?
• Answer: The sun provides energy that
makes the water cycle happen.
2. How is water vapor created?
• Answer: When the sun warms water it
evaporates. When it evaporates it turns
into water vapor.
• .
Department of Mathematics and Science
4. What happens to water vapor in the
water cycle?
• Answer: Water vapor becomes part of the
atmosphere. Then it cools and turns into
liquid water or ice. The water or ice then
falls back to Earth as precipitation.
5. Where does water collect on Earth after
falling from the sky?
• Answer: Water collects in the oceans. It
also collects in other bodies of water and
underground.
Department of Mathematics and Science
Brief Constructed Response
Describe one path water can take through
the water cycle. Begin with water that falls to
Earth as rain and end with water in clouds in
the atmosphere.
Department of Mathematics and Science
Enrichment / Extension
• Water acts as an insulator, keeping the Earth’s temperature and
weather patterns relatively stable. What property contributes to this?
Imagine and discuss what would happen to our climate if the Earth
wasn’t insulated so well.
• Water has been called the Universal Solvent. Talk about what that
actually means, and how we observe this property in our own lives,
every day.
• Although ¾ of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, only 3% of
that is fresh water. The rest is salt water. Talk about the different
sources we have for pure, fresh water. Also discuss the effects of
human activity on our valuable water sources.
Department of Mathematics and Science
GIZMOS
Water Cycle
Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle.
Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the
water moves from one location to another, and learn how water
resources are distributed in these locations.
Department of Mathematics and Science
The Water Cycle never ends.
Department of Mathematics and Science