The water cycle consists of four stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. While young children do not need to learn these words, they can learn about how the earth continually reuses its own energy.
The water cycle is an abstract concept and may be hard for young children to grasp. To simplify, explain that as clouds become heavy with water and can’t hold any more, they release rain or snow. Describe how the water feeds plants and animals and is collected in streams and lakes and rivers.
Next, explain that as the sun heats water, it becomes a gas (steam or vapor) and returns to the clouds. Illustrate how water becomes ice and ice becomes water. With older children, it is appropriate to discuss and demonstrate the process of condensation and evaporation.
Incorporate related activities into your lesson plan to support the water cycle lesson.
Alphabet Recognition Activities
Preschoolers can practice tracing letters in both upper and lower case, using letter worksheets. Teachers may also create a letter poster board which shows both the upper and lower case letter and then glue
- C is for Cloud
- I is for Ice
- P is for Plow
- R is for Rain
- S is for Snow
- U is from Umbrella
- W is for Water
Water Cycle Books for Preschoolers
- The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle by Pat Relf and Carolyn Bracken [Scholastic, 1996]
- The Snowflake : A Water Cycle Story by Neil Waldman [Millbrook Press, 2003]
- The Drop Goes Plop: A First Look at the Water Cycle by Sam Godwin and Simone Abel [Picture Window Books, 2004]
Math and Science Activities
Evaporation Project
Let children pour water into a jar, then draw a line at the level of the water. Place the jar on a sunny window ledge and check it every day. As the water disappears explain that it is evaporating.
Rain Collecting and Measurement project
During the rainy season, set out a rain gauge and collect the rain for a period of time in the spring or winter. Let the children document measurements on a piece of paper or create a chart to document how much rain was collected. When the season is over, look back at your chart and determine which day had the most rain fall.
Water Cycle Discussion Discussion
- Where does rain and snow come from?
- What happens to rain and snow after a storm?
- What happens when water gets very cold?
- What happens when ice gets warm?
- What happens when water gets hot?
- How does water help our planet?
- What types of animals live in water?
There are a wealth of activities that can support a water cycle lesson plan. For example, in the dramatic play area, keep umbrellas, raincoats, rain boots and rain hats. Let the children play weatherman/weatherwoman or put on a fun puppet show that explains water's journey from the land to the sky. Water cycle activities can easily be incorporated into Earth Day lesson plans.
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