S2.4.6 For the adult
The water cycle
Where does rain come from, and where does it go?
What this chapter teaches
The Sun's heat lifts water into the air as vapour. High up it cools into tiny drops that make clouds. The drops fall as rain and flow back to the sea. The cycle has no start, and the same water is used again and again.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- When a puddle dries up, where does its water go?
- What makes the vapour turn into a cloud?
- Can you tell the water cycle in your own words, starting from rain?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Draw the water cycle with evaporation, condensation, rain and flow
- Explain how the same water is used again and again
What they copy into their notebook
The Sun's heat makes water evaporate. The vapour cools into drops. They make clouds. Rain falls and rivers flow to the sea. The same water goes round and round.