Exploring the Water Cycle
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Objective
I can describe the different parts of the water cycle and how they connect.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
NASA Goddard · 5:53Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by NASA Goddard on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
10 questions
Name three places where freshwater is stored on Earth.
What is the driving force behind evaporation in the tropics?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe how water moves from the ocean to the atmosphere and back to the land surface, mentioning the different processes involved.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
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