1. By: Karen Inkrot and Emily Zimmerman
The Water Cycle
By: Karen Inkrot and Emily Zimmerman

2. Think About This! Why does it rain? Why does a puddle disappear?
Why does your cold drink sometimes appear to sweat?

3. What is the Water Cycle? Constant process of recycling water Steps
Movement of water between the earth’s surface and atmosphere
Steps
1. evaporation
2. condensation
3. precipitation
4. collection
Examples of water cycle in Ohio?
Ohio River, Little Miami River, Maumee River

4. Step One: Evaporation Definition Process
Changing of liquid to gas
Process
What?
Water from: plants, rivers, streams, puddles, lakes,
oceans, surfaces
How?
Water takes in heat energy from the sun and changes into a gas
Water vapor leaves and goes into the air

6. Step Two: Condensation
Definition
Changing of a gas to liquid
Process
What?
Water vapor
How?
Water vapor in the air cools
Water vapor changes back to liquid in the form of tiny water droplets
Water droplets then make clouds

8. Step Three: Precipitation
Definition
Water that falls to the earth from the atmosphere
Process
What?
Rain, snow, hail, sleet
How?
So much water has condensed—the air cannot hold anymore
Clouds become heavy and water falls back to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Very cold air causes snow, sleet, or hail

10. Step Four: Collection Definition Process
Water that collects/soaks into the ground or other water sources
Process
When?
Water falls to earth as precipitation
Where does it go?
Oceans, lakes, rivers OR
Land as groundwater

12. Apply What You Have Learned
Activities
EVAPORATION
CONDENSATION, PRECIPITATION, COLLECTION

14. What Have You Learned? Get into groups of 2-3 CHALLENGE:
Think of a way to act out each step of the water cycle.
*Each group will present their skit*
Write down an example of the water cycle that occurs in your house, and explain each step and how it relates.

15. References
Bernstein, Leonard, et al. Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Globe Fearon, The Water Cycle DLTK. 13 Apr <