The document discusses the water cycle through experiments that demonstrate evaporation and condensation. An experiment using an ice-filled can shows how water vapor in the air condenses on the outside of the cold can. Another experiment uses covered and uncovered cups of water to illustrate how the water in one cup evaporates and condenses on the plastic wrap cover.

1. The Water Cycle

2. Key Terms to Know Evaporation Condensation Precipitation Clouds

3. Condensation Experiment Materials: an empty tin can, water, ice, food coloring Procedures: Remove the label from the tin can and fill it with ice. Add water and a few drops of food coloring. Let it stand on a table for a few minutes.

4. Results & Explanation Results: The can seems to be "sweating." Drops of water form on the outside. Explanation: The ice drops are not colored, so they can't be coming from the ice water leaking out of the can. The water must have come from the air. Water vapor--water in the form of gas--in the air around the can has been cooled by the ice.

5. Precipitation/Evaporation Materials : 2 plastic cups filled half-way with water, plastic wrap, rubber band Procedure: Fill 2 plastic cups half full with water. Cover one cup with plastic wrap. Use a rubber band to hold it in place. Mark the water level in each cup.

6. Results & Explanation Results: In the covered cup it condensed again on the plastic wrap. Explanation: The water particles in the cup warmed up, began moving faster, and evaporated into the air above the water. Then the water vapor cooled off again and condensed back into liquid water on the plastic wrap.