Introduction
Where does the Rain Come From?
Have you ever wondered where rain comes from? Why does water disappear from wet clothes when they are left under the sun? How do clouds form?
Water is constantly moving around Earth in a process called the water cycle. In this WebQuest, you will become a Water Cycle Explorer. You will investigate how water moves from the Earth to the atmosphere and back again.
Through online resources, you will discover the important processes involved in the water cycle and explain why this cycle is important to life on Earth.
Task
Your mission is to become a Water Cycle Explorer.
Working individually or in pairs, you will:
Research the different stages of the water cycle.
Identify and explain evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection/runoff.
Create a labeled water cycle diagram.
Write a short explanation of how water moves through the cycle.
Answer the guide questions provided by your teacher.
Final Product
Create a Water Cycle Diagram showing the movement of water and label the major processes correctly.
Your diagram should include:
Sun
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Collection/Runoff
Arrows showing the movement of water
Process
Step 1 – Explore
Visit the USGS Water Cycle for Kids resource and explore the interactive diagram.
Read about the different parts of the water cycle.
USGS Interactive Water Cycle for Kids Step 2 – Learn
Read the NASA Kids explanation of the water cycle.
NASA – What Is the Water Cycle?
While reading, look for answers to these questions:
What is evaporation?
What is condensation?
What is precipitation?
What causes evaporation?
Why is the water cycle important?
NASA explains that sunlight provides heat that causes water to evaporate, while cooling water vapor can condense into clouds before precipitation falls back to Earth.
NASA Science
Step 3 – Investigate
Explore the National Geographic water cycle resource.
National Geographic – Water Cycle Compare what you learned from the different resources.
Step 4 – Create
Using what you learned, create your own Water Cycle Diagram.
Make sure that:
All major processes are included.
Each process is correctly labeled.
Arrows show the correct direction.
Your diagram is neat and easy to understand.
You use your own words to explain the cycle.
Step 5 – Explain
Write 5–7 sentences explaining how water moves through the water cycle.
Begin with:
"The water cycle is a continuous process in which..."
Present your diagram to the class or submit a digital copy to your teacher.
Be prepared to explain one stage of the water cycle to your classmates.
Evaluation
WebQuest Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent 4 | Good 3 | Fair 2 | Needs Improvement 1 |
| Content Accuracy | All information is correct | Most information is inaccurate | Some information is inaccurate | Many errors are present |
| Water cycle Diagram | All stages are correctly shown and labeled | Most stages are correct | Some stages are missing | Many stages are missing |
| Explanation | Clear and complete explanation | Mostly clear explanation | Limited explanation | Explanation is clear |
| Use of Resources | Uses all assigned resources effectively | Uses most resources | Uses few resources | Does not use the resources |
| Presentation | Very neat, organized, and creative | Neat and organized | Somewhat organized | Difficult to understand |
Total: 20 points
18-20= Excellent
15-17= Very good
11-14= Good
10 and below= Needs Improvement
Conclusion
Congratulations, Water Cycle Explorer!
You have discovered how water continuously moves through our environment. You learned about evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection/runoff and how these processes work together to form the water cycle.
The water cycle is important because water is essential for people, animals, plants, and other living things. By understanding how water moves around Earth, we can also better appreciate the importance of protecting and conserving our water resources.
Credits
Use these reliable educational resources:
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Interactive Water Cycle for Kids
USGS Water Cycle for Kids
NASA Science – What Is the Water Cycle?
NASA Kids Science National Geographic – Water Cycle
National Geographic Education
The USGS resource is particularly suitable for young learners because its water-cycle material was specifically developed for elementary and middle-school students.
Teacher Page
Subject: Science
Grade level: Grade 5
Topic: The Water Cycle
This WebQuest helps learners understand the stages of the water cycle through online exploration and activities. The teacher guides learners, monitors their progress, and assesses their work using the provided rubric.
Time: 60-90 minutes
Materials: Internet-connected device and paper/digital drawing tool.