The Water Cycle: Condensation and Precipitation

What You'll Learn

Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces through physical processes (like freezing water expanding in cracks) and chemical processes (like acid rain dissolving limestone).

Key Words

tectonic plates
earthquake

Materials Needed

rain gauge
cotton balls
food coloring
clear container
rocks
sand

Safety First

Handle glass items carefully to avoid breakage.
Do not mix unknown chemicals together.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 — Do

Create a model of the water cycle in a bowl: place warm water in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, put ice on top, and observe condensation and precipitation.

Step 3 — Observe

Watch carefully for any changes and note the time.

Step 4 — Record

Create a data table to organize your measurements.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What powers the water cycle?