Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle
I can identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle
I can identify the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Water doesn’t leave Earth’s atmosphere. It moves around in what is called the water cycle.
- Water evaporates from sources such as seas and rivers, as well as from Earth's surface.
- As it moves through the water cycle, water can be in the liquid state, gas state (water vapour), or solid state (ice).
- Water vapour rises into the atmosphere then cools and condenses into clouds.
- Water falls to the surface as precipitation (rain, snow, sleet) to continue the process.
Keywords
Evaporation - Evaporation is the change of state from a liquid to a gas.
Water vapour - Water is called water vapour when it is in the gas state.
Water cycle - The water cycle is the name of the journey water takes as it moves from the sea or land to the atmosphere and back again.
Condensation - Condensation is the change of state from a gas to a liquid.
Precipitation - Precipitation is water, in the solid or liquid state, which falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.
Common misconception
Children may think that the water cycle only takes place when it is hot or sunny; that when water evaporates, it disappears or that precipitation only refers to rain: water in its liquid form.
Teaching slides explain the process of the water cycle including the different forms of precipitation. The practical task addresses the misconception that the water cycle only takes place in hot or sunny weather.
Equipment
Recycled, sealable plastic bag, marker pen, water, tape, a window.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
ice
water
water vapour
Exit quiz
6 Questions
