Water-Cycle-in-a-Cup

We began our study of the water cycle with a hands-on experiment - a "water-cycle-in-a-cup." Students first poured a small amount of liquid water on black construction paper and placed it on the hot cement (right outside the cafeteria doors). We then placed a clear plastic cup on top of the liquid, with an ice cube on top of the cup. Here is Virginia's prediction of what will happen during the experiment. You can also see the observations she made - I love how she included exact drawings and strong written details to describe her observations.



We inferred that the heat of the cement and black construction paper caused the liquid water to evaporate and rise to the top of the cup. When the water vapor reached the top of the cup, it became cooler (due to the ice cube). The water vapor then condensed back into liquid water. We predicted that the liquid water would run down the sides of the cup and back to the hot cement, where the cycle would start again. Our students are true scientists - what smart thinking! Here is Mira's conclusion to the experiment. I love how she included small drawings along with her written explanation.