Subject: Science
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Date: December 13, 2054
Duration: 60 minutes
Lesson Title: The Water Cycle
Objective 1: Students will be able to identify the stages of the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection).
Objective 2: Students will be able to explain how the water cycle works in nature.
Objective 3: Students will demonstrate understanding of the water cycle by creating a model.
Material | Quantity/Description |
---|---|
Whiteboard & Markers | 1 set for teacher demonstration |
Water | 1 small cup for each student |
Plastic Wrap | 1 piece per student |
Rubber Bands | 1 per student |
Small Rocks | 1 per student (for mountain effect) |
Markers & Paper | 1 set per group |
Evaporation: The process of water turning into vapor and rising into the air.
Condensation: The process of water vapor cooling down and turning into liquid droplets.
Precipitation: The release of water in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Collection: The process where water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Activity 1: Ask students if they have ever seen a puddle disappear after it rains. Discuss where the water goes. Use the whiteboard to write “Water Cycle” and draw a basic circle to begin explaining the stages.
Objective: To introduce the water cycle and generate student interest through discussion.
Procedure:
Begin by explaining the water cycle as a continuous movement of water around the Earth.
Ask students to think about where water goes after it rains, stimulating curiosity and providing a segue into the lesson.
Activity 2: Hands-on Water Cycle Model
Objective: To engage students in constructing a simple model that demonstrates evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Procedure:
Instruct students to fill a clear plastic cup halfway with water.
Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top and secure it with a rubber band.
Place a small rock or pebble on the center of the wrap to create a “mountain” effect.
Have students place their cups under a heat source (e.g., near a window) for 20 minutes and observe.
Discussion/Interaction: Discuss how the heat causes evaporation (the water turning into vapor), and how condensation forms on the plastic wrap (droplets). Discuss what might happen if the room is cooler.
Activity 3: Water Cycle Quiz (Group Work)
Objective: To assess understanding of the water cycle’s stages.
Procedure:
Split the class into small groups.
Provide each group with a handout of the water cycle diagram and a list of definitions for each stage.
Have the students match the definitions with the correct stage in the cycle.
Methods of Assessment: Collect group responses and provide feedback. Use the quiz as a formative assessment to gauge understanding.
Wrap-up Activity:
Review the water cycle diagram on the whiteboard, highlighting the stages and their relationship to one another.
Invite students to ask questions or share observations from their water cycle models.
Discussion/Reflection: Ask students how the model helps them understand the process of the water cycle.
Feedback: Praise students for their participation and efforts in the activity.
Extension Activity: Ask students to write a short paragraph describing how the water cycle affects the weather in different seasons.
Homework: Have students draw their own version of the water cycle and label each part.
Ensure all students are engaged in group work, providing additional support as needed.
Monitor the models during the activity to ensure all students are observing the changes over time.
Templates
Templates