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The Water Cycle's Journey

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Lesson Plan

The Water Cycle's Journey

Students will be able to identify and describe the main stages of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Understanding the water cycle helps us comprehend how Earth's most vital resource moves and is naturally recycled, fostering an appreciation for water conservation and environmental awareness.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through an engaging presentation and interactive discussion, students will explore the water cycle.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Water Cycle Slide Deck, Water Cycle Warm-Up, and Water Cycle Cool-Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share

5 minutes

  • Project the Water Cycle Warm-Up question: "Where does rain come from?"
    - Instruct students to individually think for 1 minute, then pair with a partner to discuss for 2 minutes.
    - Bring the class back together and ask a few pairs to share their initial thoughts.

Step 2

Introduction to the Water Cycle

10 minutes

  • Begin presenting the Water Cycle Slide Deck.
    - Use Slide 1 to introduce the concept of the water cycle as Earth's natural recycling system.
    - Progress through the slides, explaining each stage: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection, using visuals and simple examples.
    - Encourage questions throughout the presentation.

Step 3

Interactive Discussion & Q&A

10 minutes

  • After presenting the main stages, open a class discussion.
    - Ask questions like: "Why is the water cycle important?", "Can you think of a time you've observed part of the water cycle happening?"
    - Address any misconceptions and reinforce key vocabulary.
    - Refer back to the Water Cycle Slide Deck as needed to clarify points.

Step 4

Cool-Down: One-Minute Summary

5 minutes

  • Distribute or display the Water Cycle Cool-Down.
    - Ask students to write a one-minute summary explaining the water cycle in their own words.
    - Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket to assess understanding.
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Slide Deck

The Amazing Water Cycle!

Earth's Natural Water Recycler

  • Water is always on the move!
  • It changes forms and travels all over the Earth.
  • It's essential for all life!

Greet students and introduce the topic. Emphasize that water is always moving!

Stage 1: Evaporation

From Liquid to Gas!

  • The sun heats up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
  • This heat turns liquid water into water vapor (a gas).
  • The water vapor rises into the atmosphere.
  • Think about steam rising from a hot drink!

Explain evaporation as water turning into vapor due to heat, like steam from a pot or puddles disappearing.

Stage 2: Condensation

Clouds in the Sky!

  • As water vapor rises, it gets colder.
  • Cold air causes the water vapor to change back into tiny liquid water droplets or ice crystals.
  • These tiny droplets group together to form clouds!
  • Ever seen 'sweat' on a cold glass? That's condensation!

Describe condensation as water vapor cooling and forming clouds. Use the example of cold glass 'sweating'.

Stage 3: Precipitation

Falling Back to Earth!

  • When too much water collects in the clouds, they get heavy.
  • The water falls back to Earth in different forms.
  • What are some types of precipitation you know?
    • Rain
    • Snow
    • Sleet
    • Hail

Explain precipitation as water falling back to Earth in various forms. Ask students what types they know.

Stage 4: Collection

Where Does the Water Go?

  • Once water reaches the Earth, it collects in different places.
  • It flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
  • Some soaks into the ground and becomes groundwater.
  • And then the cycle starts all over again!

Discuss how water collects after precipitation and the cycle begins anew. Highlight rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

The Water Cycle in Review

A Never-Ending Journey!

  • Evaporation: Water turns to vapor and rises.
  • Condensation: Vapor cools and forms clouds.
  • Precipitation: Water falls from clouds.
  • Collection: Water gathers in bodies of water.

Why is the water cycle so important to us?

Summarize the key stages and reinforce the idea of a continuous cycle. Remind them of its importance.

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Warm Up

Water Cycle Warm-Up

Where does rain come from?

Think about this question for a moment, then discuss your ideas with a partner. We will share our thoughts as a class!







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Cool Down

Water Cycle Cool-Down

In your own words, briefly explain the water cycle. Include at least three stages you learned about today.












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The Water Cycle's Journey • Lenny Learning