The Water Cycle
Understanding the Processes of the Water Cycle
Learning Standards
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of the water cycle and weather patterns
Performance Standard
The learner should be able to describe the water cycle and its importance
Learning Competency
Describe the different processes in the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation)
Code: S4ES-IVa-1
Complete Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives
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Identify the processes of the water cycle
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Describe evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
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Explain how water moves through the cycle
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Create a diagram of the water cycle
Lesson Procedures
motivation
Show a glass of water. Ask: 'If we leave this water under the sun, what will happen? Where does the water go? Does it disappear forever or does it come back?'
presentation
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Explain: 'Water on Earth keeps moving in a cycle - it never disappears, it just changes form!'
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Process 1: EVAPORATION
- Definition: Water changes from liquid to gas (water vapor)
- Happens when: Sun heats water in oceans, rivers, lakes, puddles
- Water vapor rises into the air
- We cannot see water vapor
- Example: Wet clothes dry because water evaporates
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Process 2: CONDENSATION
- Definition: Water vapor cools and changes back to liquid
- Happens when: Water vapor rises high in the sky where it's cold
- Tiny water droplets form clouds
- Example: Water droplets form on a cold glass
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Process 3: PRECIPITATION
- Definition: Water falls from clouds back to Earth
- Forms: Rain, snow, hail, sleet
- Happens when: Water droplets in clouds become too heavy
- Water returns to oceans, rivers, lakes, and ground
- The cycle starts again!
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Demonstration:
- Heat water (evaporation) → steam rises
- Hold cold plate above → water droplets form (condensation)
- Droplets fall back down (precipitation)
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Show complete water cycle diagram with arrows
generalization
Questions:
- What is the water cycle?
- What are the three main processes?
- Why is the water cycle important?
- What would happen if the water cycle stopped?
guided practice
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Trace the water cycle together using diagram:
- Start with water in ocean
- Sun heats water → evaporation
- Water vapor rises → condensation forms clouds
- Clouds release water → precipitation (rain)
- Rain flows back to ocean → cycle repeats
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Fill in the blanks as a class:
- Water changes to gas during __________.
- Water vapor forms __________ when it cools.
- Water falls from clouds as __________.
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Act it out:
- Students pretend to be water droplets
- Move through each stage of the cycle
independent practice
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Activity 1: Label the water cycle diagram:
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Sun
- Ocean
- Clouds
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Activity 2: Match the process to the description:
| Process | Description | |---------|-------------| | Evaporation | Water falls as rain | | Condensation | Water changes to vapor | | Precipitation | Water vapor forms clouds |
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Activity 3: Draw your own water cycle diagram with labels and arrows
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Activity 4: Complete the sentences:
- The __________ provides heat for evaporation.
- When water vapor cools, it forms __________.
- Rain is an example of __________.
- The water cycle is __________ (continuous/stops after rain).
preliminary activities
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Prayer and greetings
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Review: Three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
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Quick question: Where does rain come from?
Assessment
answers
- Water changing from liquid to gas/water vapor
- Water vapor cools and changes back to liquid, forming clouds
- Rain, snow, hail (accept any 3)
- (Diagram with evaporation, condensation, precipitation labeled)
- True, False, True, False
evaluation
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Answer:
- Define evaporation
- What happens during condensation?
- Name 3 forms of precipitation
- Draw a simple water cycle and label 3 processes
- True or False:
- The sun causes evaporation (____)
- Clouds form during precipitation (____)
- Water in the cycle is never lost (____)
- Rain is a form of condensation (____)
Materials & Resources
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Water cycle diagram/chart
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Pictures of evaporation, condensation, precipitation
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Glass of water and ice cubes
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Kettle or hot water for demo
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Manila paper and markers
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Coloring materials
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Clear plastic bags (for experiment)
assignment
Homework:
- Observe the water cycle at home: Put water in a plastic bag, seal it, hang it in the sun, and observe what happens after 1 day
- Draw and color a detailed water cycle diagram
- Write 3 examples of where you can see evaporation happening
Remarks:
- Use real-life examples students can relate to
- Conduct the plastic bag experiment as a class demonstration
subject matter
Topic: The Water Cycle
Key Concepts:
- Water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface
- Three main processes:
- Evaporation - water changes from liquid to gas (water vapor)
- Condensation - water vapor changes back to liquid (forms clouds)
- Precipitation - water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail
- Water is never lost - it just changes form and moves around
- The sun provides energy for the water cycle
Materials:
- Water cycle diagram/chart
- Pictures showing each process
- Glass of water, ice cubes
- Kettle or hot water (for demonstration)
- Manila paper and markers
- Coloring materials