Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Water Cycle

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the major components of the water cycle. They pay close attention to evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. A water cycle kit is set up in the classroom, which learners observe for a couple of days before the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Lettuce" Learn About the Water Cycle

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scientists investigate the water cycle through a lettuce seed experiment. For this experiment, learners plant lettuce seeds inside of a ziplock bag in order to create a small greenhouse. They observe condensation and precipitation,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Water Cycle (Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation)

For Teachers 1st - 4th
The 3 steps of the water cycle, evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, are the focus of this lesson. After a neat demonstration of rain using hot water, a pie tin, and ice cubes, young scientists observe and discuss the elements...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Cycle in a Box

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate how the water cycle is vital for all living things to survive on Earth. They observe the teacher set up a simulation of the water cycle using a Plastic Earth Simulator, desk lamp, and water, and make...
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

The Water Cycle--Model Simulation

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students build a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. They recognize and explain the essential elements of the water cycle.
Lesson Plan
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The Sun as the Driving Force of the Water Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the water cycle and how the sun is an important factor.  In this water cycle lesson students investigate how to desalinate water and explore the different densities of fresh versus saltwater.
Lesson Plan
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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students simulate the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students create a model of the water cycle. Students draw the water cycle and write a paragraph explaining their drawing.
Lesson Plan
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It's Raining, It's Pouring: The Water Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the relationship of the steps in the water cycle, and create a simulation of the water cycle in a jar.
Lesson Plan
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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students list the nine places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle. Students explain how energy from the sun powers the movement of water molecules through the water cycle. They name and describe...
Lesson Plan
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Geography: Water, Water Everywhere

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars discuss flooding and its causes. They view a Powerpoint presentation about floods and prevention methods. After creating a model with clay and pans, they investigate river behavior in various terrains with different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Cycle Stories

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson plan, students simulate the water cycle by placing an ice cube in a Ziploc bag and observing the changes which occur over time. Students record the mass of the Ziploc bag and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weathering

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. For this weathering lesson, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the scientific method...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rain Game

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
It's raining, it's pouring! Simulate the precipitation process with rope or hula hoop and assorted colored construction paper. This simple game should give young students a better understanding of how rain falls.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Water Cycle

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students research the water cycle and identify main vocabulary associated with the water cycle. They build and observe a closed system model that demonstrates the water cycle in action.
Lesson Plan
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A Water Cycle Chamber

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders are shown the water cycle by watching a demonstration by their teacher. In groups, they are given one two-liter bottle with a starter hole and follow instructions to complete the set up. They place ice cubes into the...
Lesson Plan
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Water Filtration

For Teachers 6th - 8th
As an example of nature's water filtering system, young ecologists conduct an experiment in the lab. They construct a funnel out of a plastic bottle, fill it with specified layers of materials that simulate layers of soil, then run muddy...
Lesson Plan
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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Pupils observe and identify the stages of the water cycle by observing a simulated water cycle. They complete worksheets demonstrating their knowledge.
Lesson Plan
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Water Wash

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students define watersheds, ground water and nonpoint source pollution. They describe how rainwater moves on the surface, as well as underground, as part of the water cycle. They recognize what flooding is as well as its causes.
Lesson Plan
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Moving without Wheels

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students observe a simple water cycle model to better understand its role in pollutant transport. This activity shows one way in which pollution is affected by the water cycle; it simulates a point source of pollution in a lake and the...
Lesson Plan
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Rock Cycles, Crayon Cycles

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the rock cycle and the path that rocks go through to rearranged in different ways. They define key vocabulary terms, then in small groups conduct a variety of experiments using crayon shavings as simulated rocks and...
Lesson Plan
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Water Around and Around Again

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students form a hypothesis for a water cycle experiment. In this water cycle lesson, students create their own environment with water and earth to study the water cycle. Students complete a handout to make a hypothesis and...
Lesson Plan
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The Rain Maker

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders work in small groups with a cup each of several materials. Students layer the gravel, sand, and water into a resealable bag. They draw a picture of this bag in their water journal. Students place their sealed bags in a...
Lesson Plan
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Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore water as it changes states of matter. In this physical property lesson plan, students use observation, measurement, and communication skills to describe changes in water as it goes from a solid to a liquid and back again.
Lesson Plan
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Earth Systems

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate biological systems. They summarize relationships between systems. Students determine how systems relate within the biosphere. They analyze the carbon cycle.