Activity: Water cycle investigation

Quick summary: Students observe a closed system using a bowl with some water sealed with plastic wrap. They explain their observations and relate their explanations to the water cycle around them

Key lessons and understandings of activity:

• Water evaporates and condenses. Water moves through the environment. Weather is part of the water cycle.

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Year 3 Science

• Suggest ways to plan and conduct investigations to find answers to questions (ACSIS054)
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS215)
• Safely use appropriate materials, tools or equipment to make and record observations, using formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS055)

Year 4 Science

• Suggest ways to plan and conduct investigations to find answers to questions (ACSIS065)
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (ACSIS216)
• Safely use appropriate materials, tools or equipment to make and record observations, using formal measurements and digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS066)

Syllabus outcomes: ST2-4WS.

Topic: Water

Year levels: 3 and 4

Indoor or outdoor activity: Indoor

Time required: two times 25 mins

Learning areas addressed: Science, English.

Level of teacher scaffolding required: Teacher assists students with their science investigation. Place plastic shrink wrap over bowls. Move bowls if they are made of breakable glass.

Resources required: Glass bowl or wide jar, plastic wrap, measuring cup (could have two demonstrations or better to have small groups each with a bowl).

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.