Have you ever thought about where the water in your glass has been? It might surprise you to know that it’s been on a long journey around the world! This journey is part of something called the water cycle, which is a big system that moves water all over the Earth.
The water cycle is how water moves on, above, and below the Earth. It includes everything from huge glaciers to tiny puddles, the deep ocean, and even the clouds in the sky. Water can change forms: it can be a solid (ice), a liquid (water), or a gas (water vapor). This cycle helps water travel everywhere!
The water cycle starts with the Sun. When the Sun shines on oceans and lakes, it heats the water, turning some of it into water vapor. This process is called evaporation. Have you ever dried off in the sun after swimming? That’s evaporation in action!
Once water vapor rises into the sky, it cools down. This cooling turns the vapor back into tiny drops of water, forming clouds. This process is called condensation. Clouds can travel long distances, pushed by the wind, carrying water from faraway places.
When enough water droplets in a cloud stick together, they fall as precipitation. This can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on how cold the clouds are. After falling, water can take different paths. It might flow into rivers and oceans, soak into the ground, or evaporate back into the air.
You can see the water cycle in action at home with a simple experiment. Pour hot water into a clear bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place ice cubes on top. The hot water represents water heated by the Sun, and the plastic wrap with ice cubes is like the cool atmosphere. Watch as water vapor rises, condenses on the plastic wrap, and falls back as droplets. You’ve just made a mini water cycle!
The water cycle is powered by the Sun and moves water around the globe. It causes weather events like hurricanes, blizzards, and rainstorms. This cycle repeats over and over, changing water’s form and taking it to every corner of the Earth. Next time you drink a glass of water, think about the incredible journey it’s been on!
Water Cycle Adventure Walk: Take a walk outside and become a water detective! Look for signs of the water cycle in action. Can you find a puddle that might be evaporating? Are there clouds in the sky that could be carrying water vapor? Discuss with a friend or family member how each part of the water cycle might be happening around you.
Make Your Own Rain Gauge: Create a simple rain gauge to measure how much precipitation falls in your area. Use a clear plastic cup or bottle and mark measurements on the side with a ruler. Place it outside in an open area. After it rains, check how much water has collected and talk about how this water might continue its journey in the water cycle.
Water Cycle Story Time: Imagine you are a drop of water going through the water cycle. Write or draw a short story about your adventures as you evaporate from the ocean, travel in a cloud, and fall as rain. Share your story with your class or family and discuss the different forms and paths water can take.
