Lesson/Activity Name: Mini Water Cycle
Overall Purpose: Hi Families...the overall purpose of this lesson is to teach the children that all living organisms need water. The water cycle describes the process in which water moves through our planet.
This lesson is only going to need a few materials (ziplock bag, a permanent marker, tape, water and food coloring or a marker to change the water color).
Our Monthly Theme is: Weather
MA Guidelines/Learning Standard(s):
Prek-PS1-4 (MA): Recognize through investigation that physical objects and materials can change under different circumstances (changing state)
K-PS1-1 (MA): Investigate and communicate the idea that different kinds of materials can be solid or liquid depending on temperature
K-PS3-1 (MA): Make observations to determine that sunlight warms materials on the Earth’s surface
Prek Reading & Literature #6: Listen to a wide variety of age appropriate literature and read alouds.
PreK Language #2: Participate actively in discussions and ask & answer relevant questions
Learning Outcome: My goal for this lesson is for children to understand what the water cycle is and how clouds are formed.
Motivational Technique: Songs, Books & Videos:
The Water Cycle Song | Science Songs | Scratch Garden: Posted Below!
Water Cycle Song (see words below): Another version
Book:Earth’s Water: Posted Below!
Materials:
Procedures: (Step by Step how to do the activity)
Watch the video: The Water Cycle Song
Tape the sealed Ziploc bags to a clear window where they can receive sunlight. This is the stage where evaporation takes place!
After a few hours, or on the next day, you should be able to see water droplets on the insides of the Ziploc bags. The water droplets or fog at the top of the Ziploc bag is where condensation has taken place. The water droplets dripping down from the top is precipitation.
Wrap-up:
Liquid water in oceans, rivers, and lakes evaporate to become water vapor (gas).
When the water vapor reaches a point in the sky where it is cold enough, it condenses to form water droplets. These water droplets join together to form clouds.
As more water droplets join the cloud, the cloud becomes heavy. When the cloud is heavy enough, the water droplets will precipitate back to earth as rain or snow.
This cycle repeats itself over and over again.
*Song: Water Cycle Song (tune: She’ll be coming round the mountain).
Water moves in a cycle, yes it does.
Water moves in a cycle, yes it does.
It goes up as evaporation.
Forms clouds as condensation.
Falls down as precipitation.
Yes it does!
How do I know what my child is learning? (Assessment): Act it out: Can you act out the water cycle: Can you pretend you are the water? The sun? How can you move your body to show evaporation, condensation and precipitation? Put on a play for your family. or create “water cycle” dance moves. You can add props (scarves, crepe paper, hats, etc.). Encourage your family to join you. : )
How can you extend this activity: (Modifications): Can you make your own terrarium? It is a great way to create a reminder of the “water cycle”. A terrarium is self-sustaining. You just need to water it once, and it will do the rest of the work. (google “terrarium” to get some ideas on how to create your own). or Did you try any of the activities in the back of The Earth’s Water (book)?
Helpful Hints: (Pitfalls & Solutions): Use what you have at home. If you don’t have baggies, a clear bottle or jar can be used (and place on a windowsill).
Lesson/Activity Name: Mini Water Cycle
Overall Purpose: Hi Families...the overall purpose of this lesson is to teach the children that all living organisms need water. The water cycle describes the process in which water moves through our planet.
This lesson is only going to need a few materials (ziplock bag, a permanent marker, tape, water and food coloring or a marker to change the water color).
Our Monthly Theme is: Weather
MA Guidelines/Learning Standard(s):
Prek-PS1-4 (MA): Recognize through investigation that physical objects and materials can change under different circumstances (changing state)
K-PS1-1 (MA): Investigate and communicate the idea that different kinds of materials can be solid or liquid depending on temperature
K-PS3-1 (MA): Make observations to determine that sunlight warms materials on the Earth’s surface
Prek Reading & Literature #6: Listen to a wide variety of age appropriate literature and read alouds.
PreK Language #2: Participate actively in discussions and ask & answer relevant questions
Learning Outcome: My goal for this lesson is for children to understand what the water cycle is and how clouds are formed.
Motivational Technique: Songs, Books & Videos:
The Water Cycle Song | Science Songs | Scratch Garden: Posted Below!
Water Cycle Song (see words below): Another version
Book:Earth’s Water: Posted Below!
Materials:
- markers (permanent work better)
- clear ziplock bags
- water
- food colouring (or a marker dipped in water)
- tape
Procedures: (Step by Step how to do the activity)
Watch the video: The Water Cycle Song
- Discussion: Where are some places that we can find water (ie. pools, lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, etc.)? What do we use water for (ie. cooking, drinking, swimming, washing, etc.)?
- Activity: Mini Water Cycle: Ask your child to draw the water cycle on a Ziploc bag. They can get creative and draw anything they want in their environment besides the sun and the clouds — a giraffe, themselves — anything!
Tape the sealed Ziploc bags to a clear window where they can receive sunlight. This is the stage where evaporation takes place!
After a few hours, or on the next day, you should be able to see water droplets on the insides of the Ziploc bags. The water droplets or fog at the top of the Ziploc bag is where condensation has taken place. The water droplets dripping down from the top is precipitation.
Wrap-up:
Liquid water in oceans, rivers, and lakes evaporate to become water vapor (gas).
When the water vapor reaches a point in the sky where it is cold enough, it condenses to form water droplets. These water droplets join together to form clouds.
As more water droplets join the cloud, the cloud becomes heavy. When the cloud is heavy enough, the water droplets will precipitate back to earth as rain or snow.
This cycle repeats itself over and over again.
*Song: Water Cycle Song (tune: She’ll be coming round the mountain).
Water moves in a cycle, yes it does.
Water moves in a cycle, yes it does.
It goes up as evaporation.
Forms clouds as condensation.
Falls down as precipitation.
Yes it does!
How do I know what my child is learning? (Assessment): Act it out: Can you act out the water cycle: Can you pretend you are the water? The sun? How can you move your body to show evaporation, condensation and precipitation? Put on a play for your family. or create “water cycle” dance moves. You can add props (scarves, crepe paper, hats, etc.). Encourage your family to join you. : )
How can you extend this activity: (Modifications): Can you make your own terrarium? It is a great way to create a reminder of the “water cycle”. A terrarium is self-sustaining. You just need to water it once, and it will do the rest of the work. (google “terrarium” to get some ideas on how to create your own). or Did you try any of the activities in the back of The Earth’s Water (book)?
Helpful Hints: (Pitfalls & Solutions): Use what you have at home. If you don’t have baggies, a clear bottle or jar can be used (and place on a windowsill).
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