Earth: The Water Cycle

Today's topic is the water cycle. Read the short text together, then have your child explain it back in their own words. The test of understanding is teaching someone else. Connect to a real-world example whenever possible.

• pencil
• paper

Trace the cycle with your finger as you read each stage.

Predict: what will happen to an ice cube in your hand? Why? You just made a hypothesis.

1. 1

   Read these facts: Water moves in a cycle. Evaporation lifts water as vapor; condensation forms clouds; precipitation returns water as rain or snow. The Sun powers the cycle. Q: Name the three steps.

   Parent tip: Read aloud first. Re-read if the question is hard.
2. 2

   What powers the cycle?

   Parent tip: Encourage answers in complete sentences.

1. 1

   Where does water go when it evaporates?
2. 2

   Why is precipitation important?
3. 3

   Give a real-world example of evaporation.
4. 4

   Where might you see this idea in real life?
5. 5

   Connect this topic to something you've seen before.
6. 6

   Write one new thing you learned today.
7. 7

   Draw a picture of one idea from the passage and label it.
8. 8

   Ask one question you still have about this topic.
9. 9

   Where might you see this idea in real life?
10. 10

    Connect this topic to something you've seen before.

What is one question this lesson left you wondering about?