1. The Water Cycle What is it and how does it work?

2. The Water Cycle Condensation Water Vapor Water Precipitation Evaporation Percolation (runoff)

3. The water cycle begins with water. Water is found in many places. A few of them are as follows: Lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, puddles, reservoirs, and many other places.

4. The next stage is EVAPORATION. This is a process where the water is heated and turned into a water vapor (gas state). The sun is the main heat source for this process. The water vapors rise up into the atmosphere.

5. The next stage is CONDENSATION. This is where warm (water vapors) and cold air (in the atmosphere) collide and form ice crystals that condense and form droplets of water. Some of the water vapors attach to dust particles in the atmosphere to form clouds.

6. The next stage is PRECIPITATION. The water droplets eventually become too heavy and begin to fall back to the earth in the form of snow, hail, rain, or sleet.

7. The final stage is PERCOLATION (runoff). The water seeps through the soil and ends up in the water table. It then flows (or runs off) into the streams, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. The process is then repeated again and again.

8. Now you’re ready for the EXAMINATION! On the next page, complete the chart.

9. The Water Cycle Examination! _______________ ______________________ _______________ ________________ _______________

10. The Water Cycle Answers! Condensation Percolation (runoff) Water Vapor Water Precipitation Evaporation

11. 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.