Activity

Building a water cycle

In this activity, students observe the processes of evaporation and precipitation by creating a model that simulates the water cycle.

Dynamic and complex: the global water cycle

Water in the Earth system is influencing all aspects of life on Earth. Pathways, storage, transfers and transformations have an effect on the global climate and human welfare. Within this interactive 4 scientists talk about some of the complex aspects of the water cycle.
    
To use this interactive, move your mouse or finger over any of the labelled boxes and click to obtain more information.

Rights: University of Waikato

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • discuss how liquid water evaporates and changes into a gas

  • discuss how evaporated water rises and circulates in the atmosphere

  • discuss how evaporated water condenses when it cools, changes back into a liquid and becomes precipitation

  • explain the role of the Sun in this process.

Download the Word file below for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • student handout.

Published: 3 June 2009