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Objective
Identify the components of the water cycle
and observe the water cycle by constructing a simple, miniature
model.
Materials
Needed
Clear
plastic bag
Measuring spoon
Rubber band or
twist-tie
Procedure
1. Pour 2 teaspoons of water into a clear plastic
bag.
2. Blow air inside the bag
with your mouth ad quickly seal the bag closed with a rubber band or
twist-tie (zippered bags work well too).
3. Place the bag on a sunny
window ledge or tape directly to the window pane. Look at the bag
throughout the day. What changes do you see?
Conclusion
Water molecules are constantly on the move in what is
called the water cycle (or hydrologic cycle). Heat from the
sun causes the water to evaporate and become a vapor. As the
water vapor cools, it condenses, forming tiny droplets which
gather to form clouds. As the droplets get larger, they become
heavier causing them to fall to the ground as precipitation
(like rain, sleet, or snow). Some of this precipitation joins lakes
and streams (called surface water), and some of it soaks into
the ground where it becomes groundwater. The process of water
soaking into the ground is called infiltration, or
recharge.
Activity
Source
The
Groundwater Gazette, published by The Groundwater
Foundation | 
