The Sun and The Water Cycle Grades 3-5

Water Cycle Changes to water when it evaporates into the air, condenses into clouds, and then precipitates back down to Earth.

Condensation Physical change in matter from gas to a liquid Moisture in the air cools and condenses and forms clouds

Evaporation Physical change in matter from liquid to a gas

Transpiration Water evaporates from leaves of plants

Precipitation Rain, Snow, Sleet, Hail that falls from clouds in the sky

Run-Off When precipitation falls water runs off mountains, hills, and down valleys

Groundwater Precipitation that falls back onto the land

Accumulation Precipitation that accumulates back into the ocean, rivers, lakes, and streams.

Cycle A set of events that repeat itself over time.

Continuous Never Stopping