Activity

Water Purification by Evaporation and Condensation

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Water Purification by Evaporation and Condensation activity also includes:

This easy-to-perform demonstration shows students how the water cycle, specifically the processes of condensation and evaporation, purifies Earth's water supply. Just mix up some water, dirt, and gravel in a glass bowl, place a cup in the middle, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and leave it in the sun for a few hours. When you check back later in the day, the cup will contain clean, clear water. In the upper elementary and middle school grade levels, this demonsteration would make a perfect addition to an earth science unit on the water cycle.

1 Collection 180 Views 108 Downloads NGSS: Adaptable
Pros
  • Demonstration serves as an accurate model of the water cycle
  • A list of follow-up questions is included for supporting a classroom discuss
Cons
  • Demonstration assumes students have prior knowledge about the water cycle
  • Depending on your class schedule, this demonstration may need to take place over two days