Unit 44: Ecosystems and Environmental Science

Day 18 of 30

Water cycle review

6-8Science

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Learning Objective

Students will explore water cycle review through guided practice and application.

Today's Lesson

In this lesson, we'll explore water cycle review. Scientific inquiry allows us to investigate and explain natural phenomena.

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface. Here's how it works: 1) Evaporation: The sun heats water, turning it into vapor (gas) that rises into the air. 2) Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds. 3) Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. 4) Collection: Water gathers in oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground. Then the cycle repeats! This cycle is essential for all life on Earth.

As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.

Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.

Key Terms
Investigate

To examine systematically through observation and experiment

Evidence

Observable facts that support or refute a claim

Activities
Instructions
1. Read the background information on water cycle review. 2. Form a hypothesis before beginning. 3. Conduct the investigation following procedures. 4. Record observations and analyze results.
Materials Needed
  • Lab notebook
  • Investigation materials
  • Safety equipment if needed
Practice Problems
1

Name the four main steps of the water cycle.

Hint: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and...
2

What causes rain?

Hint: Think about water vapor in clouds.
3

Where does the water go after it rains?

Hint: Some soaks in, some flows away, some evaporates.

Teaching Tip

For advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis and real-world connections. Consider extension activities that allow students to apply water cycle review to novel situations.

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