The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The sun warms water in oceans and lakes, causing it to evaporate into water vapor in the air. Water vapor condenses to form clouds, and air currents move clouds around the world. When clouds become too full, water falls as precipitation like rain or snow. Precipitation returns to oceans, lakes, and rivers, where the cycle repeats.

1. Water Cycle

3. Evaporation The vapor rises Condensation The Clouds form Precipitation The rain falls Transpiration The movement through plants

4. Source of Energy

6. Evaporation

8. Condensation

10. Precipitation

18. Transpiration

23. Evaporation Experiment Directions Partly fill the plastic cups with water so that they both have the same level of water. Mark the levels with the marker. Seal one of the cups with plastic wrap. Leave it for a day. Look at both cups and mark where the water levels are. Do this for a few more days, marking the levels each day and noting any change. Your child will notice that the water level goes down in the cup that has no cover. Where does the water go? Talk about the water disappearing and explain what evaporation is. Materials 1. 2 clear plastic cups 2. Felt marker 3. Clear plastic wrap 4. Water