Background

Hi, class! Today we are going to embark on a fascinating journey through the Water Cycle. Have you ever stopped to think about where the water we drink, use to bathe, and see in rivers, lakes, and seas comes from? The water that exists on our planet goes through an incredible and continuous transformation process called the Water Cycle.

The Water Cycle is the way in which the water on Earth moves and renews itself. Water is in constant motion, changing its physical state (liquid, solid, and gas) and passing through different places. This cycle is essential for life on our planet, as it distributes water in a balanced way and guarantees its availability for all living beings.

Introduction

Now, let's understand how this incredible cycle works. First, the water from rivers, lakes, and seas is heated by the sun's rays, which causes it to transform into vapor, an invisible gas. This process is called evaporation. The water vapor then rises into the atmosphere, forming clouds.

When the clouds become too full of water vapor, condensation occurs, which is when the water vapor transforms back into water, now in the form of small droplets. These droplets come together and form rain clouds.

The next stage in the cycle is precipitation, which is when the water droplets in the clouds become so heavy that they fall in the form of rain, snow, or hail. The water that falls from the sky can follow two paths: it can return to rivers, lakes, and seas, or it can enter the soil, forming groundwater.

Finally, we have infiltration, which is when rainwater enters the ground and joins the groundwater. This water can be used by plants, animals, and even us humans.

This cycle repeats itself continuously, ensuring that water is always available for us and for all living beings on the planet. Isn't that cool? Now, let's get our hands dirty and explore this process further through a fun and educational project!

Hands-on Activity: "The Water Cycle in a Bottle"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to understand and represent the Water Cycle in a practical and fun way, using a plastic bottle and simple materials.

Project Description

We will create a mini ecosystem inside a plastic bottle, simulating the Water Cycle. Our bottle will be divided into three parts: the top part will represent the atmosphere, where evaporation takes place; the middle part will represent the clouds, where condensation takes place; and the bottom part will represent the earth, where precipitation and infiltration take place.

Materials Needed

• 1 empty 2-liter plastic bottle
• Water
• Soil
• Cotton
• Bean or grass seeds (optional)
• Permanent marker
• Scissors
• Duct tape

Step by Step

1. Preparing the bottle: Wash the plastic bottle thoroughly and remove the label. Ask an adult for help to cut the bottle in half, in the middle.

2. Creating the soil: In the bottom part of the bottle, which represents the earth, put some soil until it fills about a third of the bottle. If you want, plant some bean or grass seeds in the soil.

3. Creating the cloud: In the middle part of the bottle, which represents the clouds, put some cotton. This will be where the water condenses.

4. Creating the atmosphere: In the top part of the bottle, which represents the atmosphere, fill with water to almost the brim. This water will evaporate and turn into clouds.

5. Representing evaporation: With the permanent marker, draw a picture or write the word "evaporation" on the top part of the bottle, which represents the atmosphere.

6. Representing condensation: Draw a picture or write the word "condensation" on the middle part of the bottle, which represents the clouds.

7. Representing precipitation and infiltration: On the bottom part of the bottle, which represents the earth, draw a picture or write the word "precipitation and infiltration".

8. Assembling the bottle: Fit the top part of the bottle (atmosphere) into the middle part (clouds) and close with duct tape. Then, fit the bottom part of the bottle (earth) into the middle part (clouds) and close with duct tape.

9. Observing the Water Cycle: Now, place the bottle in a sunny location and wait. You will notice that the water from the top part will evaporate, forming clouds in the middle part. Then, these clouds will release the water into the bottom part, which will infiltrate the soil.

10. Recording and Discussion: For one week, observe daily what happens inside the bottle. Write down the changes that occur in a notebook and discuss as a group what you are learning from this experiment.

Remember, this is a group project, so everyone must participate and help create the mini ecosystem. Have fun learning about the Water Cycle!