Observe the water cycle in action. This environmental learning activity shows kids what the water cycle looks like in a real observable way.
Supplies
- Large clear plastic mixing bowl
- A Pitcher of water
- Clear plastic wrap
- Ceramic coffee mug
- A rubber band or piece of string long enough to be tied around the bowl
- Sunlight
How to See the Water Cycle in Action
To start this activity ask kids what they know about the water cycle. Most will have some understanding of the life cycle of a water molecule, but to make you can show this quick water cycle video from asumsum.com
Once kids understand the water cycle gather your supplies and head outdoors. Place the bowl on the ground and set a coffee mug in the center of the bowl. Using a pitcher fill the bowl with water, you want the water level to be about half way up the mug. Be sure not to get any water into the mug. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. To make sure that the plastic wrap will stay in place stretch a rubber band around the outside so that it holds the plastic against the bowl. Then leave the bowl in the sun and watch to see what happens.
What is happening?
Do you notice that water is moving from the bowl into the cup as if magic. That “Magic” process is what we call the water cycle. Water starts to evaporate from the sun. This means the water will rise to the plastic wrap sheet and form a cloud or vapor. As more and more water vapors condense on the plastic it will start to form water droplets and fall as “rain” into the cup.
More like the water cycle in action
If you like seeing the water cycle in action you may also like seeing pollution with an air quality experiment. Compare air quality from place to another with this observable experiment.
