“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”
~ Loren Eiseley
Sometimes, teaching science is just telling a kid that they’re drinking the same water that the dinosaurs did.
Or if you’re really brave, tell a kid that they’re drinking the same water that a dinosaur once peed out!
But seriously, the water cycle is a really tangible topic that connects with geology, states of matter, and life science!
This diagram from NASA might help refresh your memory on all the big science terms:
But here’s a bunch of much more fun ways to learn the science of the water cycle! Perfect for reading at home or in classrooms of preschoolers, kindergarteners, 1st graders and 2nd graders.
(Just a reminder - I am never paid to mention any of these resources; there are no affiliate links.)
Water Cycle Videos
Where Does Water Come From? from SciShow Kids
What is a cycle? And what does water have to do with a cycle? (If you’re a teacher, this video aligns to NGSS standards 2-ESS2-3, 2-PS1-4.)
From Mystery Science
Turns out the answer is related to the water cycle! Rain water has absolutely no salt, but when rain lands on the ground it absorbs some salt from the rocks and soil. Then all that salt flows into the ocean, where it stays! (If you’re a teacher, this video aligns to NGSS standards 2-ESS2-3, 2-PS1-4.)
Water Cycle Books
written by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason Chin
Before kids can learn about the water cycle, they should first know that water takes so many different forms - not just rain and clouds, but also fog, mud, and inside apples.
written by Travis Jonkers, illustrated by Grant Snider
Blue is a little iceberg who has broken off from his parents for the first time. This is a sweet coming-back-home story that works even for the preschool crowd. But it’s also a story about the water cycle as Blue melts into the ocean, then becomes a cloud, and then becomes snow. (For teachers, this aligns to NGSS standard 2-ESS2-3.)
by Emily Kate Moon
“Drop has seen some things.” Follow along as Drop hangs out with dinosaurs, and travels all over the Earth. This one gets into a little more detail about all the transitions that water goes through to become clouds and precipitation. Just be prepared for a lot of water-based puns! (For teachers, this aligns to NGSS standards 2-ESS2-3, 2-PS1-4.)
Water Cycle Activities
Sing and Dance the Water Cycle from Blazer Fresh (GoNoodle)
Do you have trouble remembering the different steps to the water cycle? Well the Blazer Fresh boys from GoNoodle have a bop for you. I dare you not to sing along.
From Plum Landing on PBS Kids
What a super easy art activity that also demonstrates water evaporation! All you need is water, a paint brush, and a spot of sidewalk in the sun. Plus more evaporation activities with construction paper and plastic baggies. (For teachers, this aligns with NGSS standard K-PS3-1.)
From ScienceBuddies
If you’ve got evaporation down, maybe you’re ready to see the whole water cycle happening inside a plastic bag taped to the window! (For teachers, this aligns with NGSS standards K-PS3-1, 2-PS1-4)
Next month, I’m bringing you more water science, all about clean and dirty water!
Until next time, have fun lighting sparks of curiosity!
Amy Wung Tsao
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