Lesson Title:
WATER CYCLE SEQUENCING ACTIVITY
Topic:
Modified Representation of the Water Cycle; a Concept
Covered in a River Study1
Level:
Elementary or Middle School
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Objective:
Learn the stages of the water cycle on Earth.
Motivation:
Hands-on materials.
Materials:
1. Laminated pictures depicting 7 stages of the water cycle, size 8”x11.”
(See attached example.)
2. Photos of rivers, ocean, rainstorms, clouds (optional).
Background:
Using drawings helps convey an abstract science concept such as the water
cycle. This can also be supplemented with photos.
This lesson is followed by a reward of the student’s choice, such as a favorite
activity.
Preparation:
Specific phrases can be displayed above the simple picture that depicts a
particular stage of the water cycle.
Note: Use simple phrases rather than complex words such as precipitation,
condensation, and evaporation. These terms can be introduced once the basic
understanding of the water cycle is learned.
Activity:
1. Teacher - Introduce the activity, with a big smile, very enthusiastically.
Give specific instructions as to what you expect of the student. Mention
motivating reward choices to ensure partial interest in lesson.
2. Student – Shuffle through the seven sheets to get a visual idea of the
order in which the water cycle follows. The student may peruse the sheets
and ask questions accordingly. The student hands the sheets back when
they are ready.
3. Teacher – Read phrase on top of first card twice.
4. Student – Recite phrase back to teacher.
1
Farmingville Elementary School, Ridgefield, Connecticut science
curriculum focus.
5. Teacher – Student – Repeat Steps #3 and #4 until the seven sheets are
complete.
6. Teacher – Student - Have the student place the seven steps in sequential
order.
7. Teacher – Record successfulness in data book.
8. Repetition: This lesson is to be repeated until learned entirely. The
student should be able to place the seven steps in order and read each
step.
Extensions:
Simple sight words and basic weather vocabulary are ideal for building science
vocabulary.
Source:
This is an original lesson.
Contact Information:
Jeanette E. Moore
[email protected]
Adaptations for Fragile X Syndrome:
Sequencing is a weakness for students with Fragile X Syndrome. Use visuals to
support the sequence. Especially for younger students, do not assume inability
to place cards in sequence indicates a lack of understanding of the overall
concept.