In a nutshell
In this activity we explore the paths within the water cycle and we find out how we impact it through our activities.
The water cycle
Water-readings
The paths within the water cycle
Water moves endlessly within the hydrological or water cycle on our planet. It all starts with the sun: Water because of the sun’s radiation, from the sea, lakes, rivers, but also from the soil and the plants. Actually evaporation from the plants’ leaves is called . As the water vapor rises into the atmosphere, it cools and is becoming condensed (condensation), and can return to the ground as rain, snow, or hail. These forms are the various types of . Then, water flows on the surface forming streams and torrents or joining the rivers, ending in lakes or the sea. Part of precipitation is adsorbed from the soil and moves vertically between the rocks () joining the groundwater. Groundwater follows its own paths below the earth’s surface, forming . It may spill over the surface from springs or it may end up to the sea. Surface water evaporates and the cycle goes on and on…
Solo activity
Water cycle in a model!
- Heat up some water (about a glass) using a boiler.
- Pour the hot water and the salt into the large bowl.
- Place the empty small bowl in the middle of the large one, making sure that no water gets into the smaller one.
- Cover the large bowl with the membrane, making sure that it is firmly in place and that it seals the top completely (you may use a rubber band).
- Place one small stone at the centre of the membrane. Your model is ready!
- Wait for about 5 minutes. What do you observe?
- Take off the membrane and taste the water in the small bowl. Is it salty? Why?
Make sure that all the equipment you use are clean! - Fill in the worksheet.
- Repeat steps 1-7 adding this time some drops of food coloring in the water. What do you observe? What is the colour of the water droplets on the membrane and why? Fill in the worksheet again.