The Natural Water Cycle

Water is one of the world's most valuable resources (if not the most important). Without it there will be no life on this planet. The water cycle describes the "continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth". It explains how we get rainfall and why our rivers and streams continue to flow. In short, how water reaches everyone on this planet.

So why is the natural water cycle so important to understand? Aside from the most obvious reason that humans need fresh water to stay alive, we also use our knowledge of water cycles to understand how it impacts our ecosystems and livelihoods. Scientists use it to better understand severe weather conditions like droughts which impact agriculture and food crops around the world. We need it to understand how melting glaciers in the polar ice caps and rising sea levels affects coastal communities globally. The list goes on.

Let's find out how H20 moves around the planet!

Printable & Activity Objectives

In this activity, your child will learn about the changing states of water and how water moves above, on and below the surface of the planet. He/She will also spend time drawing, colouring and interpreting their understanding of the natural water cycle on a fun printable.

It will help your child or student:

• Gain a greater understanding of the physical properties of water and how under different conditions it can change its state (liquid, gas and solid).
• Be more observant about the changing states of water in everyday things and be more familiar with the simple science-based concepts i.e. in the study of physics.

• Develop artistic and design skills through the creation of their own idea of a natural water cycle.

Let's learn more!

Classroom Resources

Simple steps to start:

• Research and find out more about the water cycle and how water moves around the planet. Here's a video with very clear explanations of the processes involved in the natural water cycle:

Here's a super catchy song to drive across the different water cycle stages (precipitation, accumulation, evaporation, transpiration and condensation). I really love this!

• Research and read more about some of the water related issues our planet is facing these days. Here's a very informative video about how the demands of modern agriculture is depleting the Earth's reservoirs of clean water:

Here's a video about how the uneven distribution of the water cycle and changes in rain/snow patterns can impact communities:

• Get started on the printable worksheets!

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What's in the Printable Worksheet Pack

This printable pack consists of 2 printable activity worksheets about water cycles and the changing states of water. It also includes 2 "infographic" sheets with related flow charts.

What's included:

• 1 page - Infographic flow chart sheet about the natural water cycle
• 1 page - Infographic flow chart sheet about the changing states of water
• 1 page - Natural water cycle design and colouring worksheet
• 1 page - Observation recording sheet for the changing states of water

Click on the download link below to get started. Please note that this printable pack is only for paid members.