Small groups place sand and ice in a covered box, place the box in the sunlight, then observe as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation occur. These models serve as miniature water cycles and demonstrations of the three phases of matter that water is found in: solid, liquid, and gas.  If you can afford it, purchase a few plastic shoebox-sized tubs rather than trying to use aluminum-foil-lined cardboard boxes. The foil is certain to leak and soak the cardboard leading you to need to find a new set of boxes each school year, whereas plastic tubs can be reused. This lesson is part of a unit that provides tremendous teacher resources!

Concepts

condensation, evaporation, precipitation, the water cycle, transpiration

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Additional Tags

hydrologic cycle, precipitation, evaporation, condensation, transpiration, science

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Pros

• Teaching tips provided in a reference video
• A well-developed lesson that is part of a comprehensive unit on water
• Language arts and math resources available as additional materials
• Classroom slides include a projectable water cycle diagram
• Adaptable to Next Generation Science Standards
• Lab sheet also available in Spanish

Cons

• None