What is the name of the process that brings water from the ground back into the sky?
Water is always on the move - evaporating, condensing, and precipitating. The Sun is the main energy source for the water cycle. Water from the oceans, rivers and lakes evaporates into the air.
The Amazing Water Cycle
Evaporation: The process of turning liquid water into a gas. Condensation: The process of turning a gas (such as water vapor) into a liquid. Precipitation: Water falling to Earth's surface as rain, hail, sleet or snow.
Concepts:
What is your favorite part about the water cycle?
- The way it moves around
- How it helps nature grow and stay healthy
- Seeing rainbows in the sky when it rains
- The fact that it is always recycling itself
A single drop of water can make it around the water cycle many times. More than 90% of the water vapor in the atmosphere evaporates from the ocean. NASA's Aqua satellite has been studying the water cycle since 2002.
Fun facts:
Draw / write: What steps make up the water cycle?
Draw / write: How does the water cycle help us?
What have you learned about the water cycle?
What other things could you do to help conserve water?