5th grade water cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually occurring when the temperature is high.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

Back

Evaporation occurs faster at higher temperatures because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides heat energy that drives evaporation, allowing water to change from liquid to vapor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What happens during the condensation process?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, which gather to create clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

Why is runoff important in the water cycle?

Back

Runoff is important because it helps return water to rivers, lakes, and oceans, maintaining the balance of the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4