The water cycle is an amazing process and we touched on it when discussing evaporation a couple of weeks ago.
Today we are going to have a go a creating our very own Mini water cycle.
It shows how evaporation occurs, where condensation occurs and precipitation (rain). It is so simple and very clever.
As a reminder of the water cycle I have included a diagram for you that you can print out, label and colour if you wish.
The arrow from the se to the sun – evaporation
The arrow from the sun to the clouds – condensation
The arrow from the Clouds to the mountains – precipitation
Now to make your water cycle – you will need:
A plastic bowl (mixing bowl size)
Cling film
A mug
String
Water
It is best to do this outside in a sunny place.
1. Place the mug in the bottom of the bowl
2. Add water around the mug so that it come up to 2/3rd of the mug – if you can draw on the bowl mark where the water level is.
3. Cover the bowl tightly in clingfilm and fasten in place with the string.
4. Watch what happens!
The science Bit
You should find that you can see condensation drops of water on the top of the cling film and that the water level have lowered proving that evaporation has taken place. The condensation droplets are the clouds. They will be dripping back into the bowl but you should find that some of the water is now in the cup (your mountains) demonstrating precipitation!
What a great activity! Love your diagram, too.
Thanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)
Thank you. xx
Such a great way to introduce education into play. All my kids love science experiments.
Its lovely to see them enjoy science isn’t it?
Ooh fabulous project – as always!
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Thanks Maggy 🙂
LOVE Science experiments to get kids interested in Science! We have this on our list to try too. Thanks for sharing it at TGIF! Have a great week
Beth =-)
So glad you liked it Beth!
What a great activity!! We will have to give this one a try. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
I’m pinning this to do with my boys in the near future, and I’m featuring on The Sunday Showcase tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!
Great idea! I’ll have to try it with my girls!
i loved it❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This was So cool!!!!!!!!!!! I love science!
this is an excellent hands on activity to explain the process of the water cycle. students get to see each process and lean from observations. It is very engaging.
How long should the bowl be left outside before students check it?
This is awful so awful lets go science yay yippie kai yaaa
PS your unloved
Such a scenic view ,looks great. Lovely.