1.18 The water cycle

Natural sciences

Grade 4

Life and way of living

Module 19

The water cycle

Water falls to the earth in the form of rain. Before this happens, millions of tiny water droplets float around on the air and form clouds. Seawater, rivers and lakes are classed as surface water. Water that occurs below the surface of the earth and comes to the surface as fountains or at bore-holes is known as underground water.

Surface water evaporates, rises up high above the earth, cools down and becomes drops of water once more. This is known as condensation. The millions of water droplets unite to form clouds. When the clouds become heavy from so much water, drops fall to the earth as rain. It eventually collects in rivers and dams.

Draw a sketch to illustrate the water cycle. use red arrows to show the evaporation of water and blue arrows to show condensation. [lo 2.1]

Assessment

LEARNING OUTCOME 2: CONSTRUCTING SCIENCE KNOWLEDGEThe learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

ASSESSMENT STANDARD: WE KNOW THIS WHEN THE LEARNER

• recalls significant information.

Memorandum

Water sources

The water cycle must include the sea, the sky, sun, clouds, rain, vegetation, a river, red and blue arrows to indicate evaporation and condensation.