Water Recycling Systems for Kids

Observing rain helps kids understand precipitation's role in the water cycle.

Teaching kids about water recycling systems by giving class lectures can be difficult because they sometimes have trouble conceptualizing intangible information. Providing photos and drawings that depict each step of the hydrologic cycle can be helpful, and conducting experiments in class will provide physical examples of steps in the cycle, such as condensation, evaporation and precipitation.

Pictures and Diagrams

Provide pictures and diagrams that illustrate the steps in the water cycle. Seeing the stages of the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, transpiration and precipitation, will help students visualize what occurs during each and help them understand that water never goes away, but is rather recycled. Some water-cycle diagrams also show that water is stored in the ground, freshwater and oceans, and that surface and snow-melt runoff contribute to the total amount of available water.

Precipitation: Weather Observation Logs

Have your students record their observations of precipitation when it rains. They might measure the total rainfall in their backyards or at school by setting out empty plastic cups and measuring their contents in inches after the rain stops. They may draw pictures of precipitation or take photos and share them with the class. Assign them to watch the weather report on a news show during a rainy day and write down what they learn.

Condensation: Terrariums

Provide materials so that students can make terrariums in class. Each child will need an empty, clear 2-liter soda bottle, soil, a plant and scissors. Succulents are ideal for use in a terrarium. They should cut the bottle in half and place the soil and plant in the bottom half. Fit the top half of the bottle over the bottom half. After a few days, they will notice condensation on the inside of the bottle.

Evaporation: Glass of Water Experiment

Place drinking glasses or cups of water near a windowsill in the classroom. Affix a strip of masking tape to the side of the cup so that it runs vertically from top to bottom in a straight line. Mark the water level on the masking tape by drawing a line on it and writing the date next to the line. Each day, draw a new line near the water level. See how much water evaporates over the course of a week.

References

• Kids RecycleWorks: Water
• Terrarium Man: How to Make a Terrarium

Resources

• The Groundwater Foundation: Water Cycle in a Bag