Day One
Anticipatory Set:
Ask learners if they have ever seen rain.  Another word for rain is precipitation.  Where does rain come from?  How does it get into the cloud?  We are going to listen to a story about the Water Cycle.  Let’s be good listeners and see what this story tells us about water and how it moves.

• The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle.  While reading be sure to emphasize “condensation” “evaporation” and “precipitation”.  These are the major points in the water cycle.
• When the story is finished, ask learners to recall the three steps water goes through (evaporation, condensation and precipitation) and what they are.  Use the process signs provided (see Attachment One).  You may choose to post these where the students can see them during the discussion.
• Show learners the water cycle handout (see Attachment Two) and touch each area on the picture map.  This will help them see what is exactly necessary for each of the three steps.
• Tell learners that together the class will be creating a very large water cycle model.  They are each going to make a portion of the water cycle. Teacher Note: It will be necessary for the teacher to decide if each learner will make each piece of the water cycle or if learners will be arranged into groups to work on the water cycle.
• Distribute Water Cycle cut outs (see Attachment Three) Learners should color rain drops blue and cut them out.
• Cut out clouds and fill them in using white glue and stretched cotton balls.
• Cut out blue construction paper to look like water.
• Cut out brown construction paper to look like land (optional: decorate using sand and grass attached with white glue).
• Cut out yellow construction paper to look like the sun.
• When all pieces have been constructed, set aside to dry.
• Review the terms: condensation, evaporation and precipitation.
   

Day Two

• Ask learners to recall the three major parts of the water cycle and what you need for each to take place.  Be prepared to reference The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle
• Distribute the water cycle handout (Attachment Two) to each child.  Review each of the components and invite them to add color.
  Assemble the pieces to the large water cycle by allowing the learners to place their pieces on the diagram.  Invite learners to use their handouts as a guide.
• Add the directional arrows to complete the diagram (see Attachment Four).
• Tell learners that the water moving about in the water cycle does not fall exactly where it evaporated from.  Some places receive more and some receive less rainfall.  Each place has different needs for its water.  The area may not receive enough precipitation in the form of rainfall and that can be a problem.  That is why it is SO important to conserve water.  Who needs to conserve water? – Everyone! Explain to the learners that they can also help their friends and families conserve water by sharing what they have learned about water.

Set up a classroom water cycle using a terrarium for the learners to observe throughout the rest of the unit.