THE WATER CYCLE Subject: Science Grade Level: 4-7 Time Allotment: Four to five 45-minute class periods In order for students to understand water and its importance, they must first understand the process by which it is produced. This lesson will help students discover how water is created in nature and the path it takes to reach our rivers, streams, and taps. Using the scientific method, students will conduct an experiment that simulates the water cycle. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will be able to: Define and explain the water cycle Conduct an experiment using the scientific method Record and interpret observations Form accurate conclusions based on scientific evidence MATERIALS Chart paper Science journals Internet access computers (class set, or one with projector) For model: (for each group) One glass jar with lid soil sand pebbles or small rocks plant water masking tape and marker for labeling jar HANDOUT Thirstin's Water Cycle Adventure Reflections on the Water Cycle Model BOOKMARK THE FOLLOWING SITES Boston Museum of Science http://www.mos.org/oceans/planet/cycle.html This Boston Museum of Science website explains the water cycle as well as contains multiple experiments. Kidzone http://www.kidzone.ws/water/ Read short and simple definitions of terms related to the water cycle. United States Geological Survey http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html View diagrams of the water cycle at this United States Geological Survey website. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water & Groundwater Kids' Stuff http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_watercycle.html A Flash animated activity about the water cycle. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Ground Water & Drinking Water http://www.epa.gov/safewater/index.html Search this site to learn about safe ground and drinking water. WW2010: University of Illinois http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hyd/home.rxml This University of Illinois site deals with meteorology and the water cycle. ACADEMIC STANDARDS http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/browse.asp Science, Standard 1, Level III Understands atmospheric processes and the water cycle. Science, Standard 12, Level III Understands the nature of scientific inquiry. Thinking and Reasoning, Standard 1, Level III Understands and applies the basic principles of presenting an argument. Thinking and Reasoning, Standard 4, Level III Understands and applies basic principles of hypothesis testing and scientific inquiry. Working with Others, Standard 1, Level IV Contributes to the overall effort of a group.

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