The water cycle is the three part process by which water enters and leaves the atmosphere.

Picture this:
The dark clouds begin to rain.  The rain falls on the grass and        the streets, making puddles.  It falls on the hills, running down in little streams.  They flow into lakes and on to the ocean.

The rain is over.  Out peeks the sun.  The water in the puddles, streams, lakes, and ocean gets warm.  It changes to vapor, like steam rising out of a boiling teakettle.  It disappears into the air.

Warm air rises, so up it goes.  The air is cooler here.  There are specks of dust.  When the vapor hits a cool speck, it sticks to it and condenses.  These bits of dust and water drops come together to make clouds.  When they are heavy with water, down comes the rain again!!
 
 
 

We are going to examine each of the three stages described above in much more detail.   But before we can do that, we need to look at the definitions of some watery words!!!  Click on the word listed below to link to a site that will help you find the meaning of the word.  When you find the definition, write it on your sheet.

1.  Evaporation

2.  Condensation

3.  Water Vapor

4.  Precipitation
 
 

Assignment:

Pretend you are a raindrop.  Write an essay explaining your fantastic voyage through the water cycle.  Begin your adventure with the journey from the rain cloud to the ground.  Your adventure should lead you all the way back to a cloud ready to fall to the ground again.

Remember to include: