Exploring the Water Cycle Through Terrarium Experiments

What is the water cycle?

• A natural recycling process of water on Earth

• A cycle where water is cleaned for drinking

• A system where water is permanently lost over time

• A process where water is heated and rises as vapor

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What materials are needed to create a terrarium to observe the water cycle?

• A plastic bag, water, food coloring, and a heat source

• A computer simulation program

• A textbook on meteorology

• A large glass, lid, small plant, potting mix, gravel, sand, pebbles, water, gloves

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What role does the plant play in the terrarium's water cycle?

• It attracts sunlight

• It is purely decorative

• It absorbs water and releases water vapor

• It provides shade

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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What happens during condensation within the terrarium?

• Sunlight is blocked

• The plant grows

• Water leaks out of the terrarium

• Water vapor turns back into liquid water

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is transpiration?

• A form of precipitation

• The release of water vapor from plant leaves

• The filtration of water through soil

• The process of water turning into ice

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is runoff in the context of the water cycle?

• The use of water in industrial processes

• The evaporation of water from surfaces

• Water that flows into rivers, creeks, and oceans

• Water running off the edges of the terrarium

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

How is percolation related to the water cycle?

• It describes water seeping deeper into soil and rock

• It is a method of purifying water

• It refers to the boiling of water

• It is the same as evaporation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What should you do if the terrarium has too much water?

• Place it in a cooler location

• Open the lid to let some water vapor out

• Seal it tighter

• Add more plants

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What would likely happen if the terrarium had no sunlight?

• The plant would use less water

• There would be no condensation or precipitation

• The water would turn into ice

• The water cycle would proceed faster

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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Why is it important to understand the water cycle?

• To ensure a sustainable water supply

• To build better swimming pools

• To perform better in science class

• To predict weather changes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4