Exploring the Water Cycle

6th GradeScience45 min

aligned to Ngss Ms-ess2-4

Learning Objective

I can describe the different parts of the water cycle and how they connect.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

NASA | Earth's Water Cycle

NASA Goddard

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, including changes from one state to another.

  • Evaporation rates at the ocean surface are affected by sea surface temperature, surface winds, and air temperature, with warmer temperatures and stronger winds leading to higher evaporation.

  • Water that falls as precipitation is stored in snow packs, lakes, soils, and underground aquifers, eventually returning to the ocean or evaporating into the atmosphere.

Practice

14 min

10 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Describe how water moves from the ocean to the atmosphere and back to the land surface, mentioning the different processes involved.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts