The Water Cycle
Grade 3 · Science · Weather and Climate · Colorado, USA
Lesson Summary
The water cycle is the way water moves from Earth's surface to the sky and back again through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Explanation
The sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into water vapor that rises into the air. This is called evaporation. When the water vapor cools high up in the sky, it turns into tiny water droplets that form clouds. This is condensation. When the droplets get heavy enough, they fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is precipitation. Then the cycle starts all over again.
Practice Questions
Q1: What are the three main steps of the water cycle?
Answer: Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Q2: What causes water to evaporate?
Answer: Heat from the sun warms water and turns it into water vapor.
Q3: What is precipitation?
Answer: Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
People Also Ask
What is The Water Cycle in Grade 3 Science?+
The Water Cycle is a lesson in the Weather and Climate chapter of Grade 3 Science. It is part of the Colorado, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers The Water Cycle?+
The Water Cycle is taught in Grade 3 as part of the Science curriculum in Colorado, USA.
How can I help my child with Weather and Climate in Science?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Weather and Climate topics.