1. W ater C ycle

2. Sun warms ocean water
causing it to EVAPORATE.
Water vapor CONDENSES to
form clouds. Clouds become
very heavy before beginning to
PRECIPITATE. Precipitation
collects in rivers, lakes, and
oceans. The sun warms ocean
water…

3. E vaporation
T he vapor
rises
C ondensation
T he C louds form
Precipitation
T he rain falls
T ranspiration
e m ovem ent through plants

4. Source of Energy

5. The Sun
The sun’s energy
is necessary to
power the water
cycle.

6. Evaporation

7. Evaporation
The sun warms the
water in the ocean,
causing it to
change from water
(liquid) to water
vapor (gas).

8. Condensation

9. Condensation
Once the warm
gas hits the
cooler air it
changes back
into a liquid and
forms a cloud.

10. Precipitation

11. Tiny water
droplets
bounce around
in the cloud. As
they hit each
other, they stick
together and
become larger.

12. Precipitation
Once they
become so
heavy, the cloud
can no longer
hold them. It
begins to
precipitate.

13. Precipitation can be:
• Rain
• Snow
• Sleet
• Hail

14. Precipitation collects in:
• Rivers
• Lakes
• Oceans

18. Transpiration

19. Transpiration
The process by which
water absorbed by
plants (usually
through the roots) is
evaporated into the
atmosphere from the
plant surface
(principally from the
leaves).

20. Then what?
Right! It
starts all
over again!
That is why
it is called a
cycle.

21. Sun warms ocean water
causing it to EVAPORATE.
Water vapor CONDENSES to
form clouds. Clouds become
very heavy before beginning to
PRECIPITATE. Precipitation
collects in rivers, lakes, and
oceans. The sun warms ocean
water…

23. Evaporation Experiment
Directions
Partly fill the plastic cups with water so
that they both have the same level of water.
Mark the levels with the marker. Seal one of
the cups with plastic wrap. Leave it for a
day. Look at both cups and mark where the
water levels are. Do this for a few more
days, marking the levels each day and
noting any change. Your child will notice
that the water level goes down in the cup
that has no cover. Where does the water
go? Talk about the water disappearing and
explain what evaporation is.
Materials
1. 2 clear plastic cups
2. Felt marker
3. Clear plastic wrap
4. Water