How cool is it that we can bring the wonders of the natural world into our homes with just a few common items? Today, let’s explore one of these wonders – the water cycle. This experiment is not only simple but also really fun and eye-opening. It’s a great way to help kids understand the amazing science that powers nature.
I’ve done quite a few water cycle experiments with kids, but there’s one that’s a clear favorite, especially on a warm summer day.
To get started on this exciting scientific journey, here’s what you’ll need:
- One large bowl
- One smaller bowl that will fit inside the larger one
- Blue food coloring (this makes our ‘water’ visible and more interesting!)
- Natural items like sand, shells, or pebbles
- Playdough for some creative play
- Water, of course!
Once you have all these materials, you’re ready to show your child the incredible journey of water in the earth’s cycle. So, let’s learn and have fun together!
Water Cycle Experiment: Constructing a Miniature Earth
Contents
Now, let’s transform these materials into our very own planet Earth!
Step 1: Lay the Foundation
Begin by arranging the rocks or sand at the bottom of the large bowl. Think of it as setting the stage for our little blue planet. My son absolutely loved this part – arranging the shells just so, making it as close to his vision of Earth as possible.
Step 2: Position the Small Bowl
Next, nestle the small bowl within the large one, amidst the rocks or sand. Add more rocks or sand if needed to ensure the smaller bowl is securely in place. This is a great opportunity for kids to get creative and really craft the landscape to their liking. This hands-on involvement can really ramp up their anticipation for the rest of the water cycle experiment.
Step 3: Introduce the Mountain
Time to shape a mound of playdough into a majestic mountain. Let your child’s creativity run wild – the mountain can be as towering and elaborate as it pleases! To elevate the fun and realism, consider adding Lego characters, leaves, and twigs to your miniature Earth.
With these steps complete, we’re well on our way to demonstrating the water cycle in action!
Get the Sea Water Ready
Let’s move on with this fun STEM activity.
Once you’re done making the “earth”, put it aside and mix a bowl of water with some blue food coloring. This is going to be the ocean.
Once the water has turned blue, pour it on your earth in a bowl. Pour it slowly until the water is about a half of a centimeter below the rim of the small bowl.
The Power of The Sun In Action
Next cover it with saran wrap and put a rock or rocks right where the smaller bowl is. This makes a dip in the surface to help the water droplets fall straight into the small bowl.
Now put the bowl outside in the sun. This is the quickest way to see the water cycle.
However, you can also use a lamp as the sun if you’re doing this indoors. It will take a longer time to see the water cycle.
After an hour two in the hot sun, the sea water from the big bowl will make water droplets on the saran wrap. This represents the clouds.
If you don’t have any patience like me, you can tap the wrap to help the water flow into the small bowl quicker. It’s nice to see the water droplets slide down the wrap towards the little bowl. We even made a small hole on the wrap to feel how hot the water was.
You can also just take the bowl in a cooler place and let the water slide down to the small bowl by itself.
The Water Cycle Experiment Video On YouTube
If you would rather watch this experiment on video, you can watch our video below. For more science stuff and family-friendly videos, don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel!
Additional Resources:
For in-depth explanation of the water cycle experiment, here are some of the best online resources we have found
The Water Project
Some more water cycle experiment ideas plus free lesson plans for teachers and homeschooling families. Also covers information on the world’s water problems and some solutions that we can all participate in.
North Carolina Testing Program: A Drop Of Water By Walter Wick
Free PDF with diagram of the water cycle plus mini quiz about the water cycle
The Water Cycle Play
A script for a play by enchanted learning. Get the kids moving and learning with this easy to reenact play. Props not necessary!
Why Files
All About the Earth’s water problems. 5 pages on what you need to know about the global water shortage.
Some Interesting Facts About Water
Learn About the Water Cycle For Younger Kids On YouTube
A song about the water cycle.
A song saying “the main hero in the water cycle is water”…. and find out who the unsung hero is!
Animation Lesson For Kids on the water cycle
Upbeat song about the water cycle by Mr. R’s song for teaching
Poem About The Water Cycle
Water goes,
Round and round,
From the sky,
To the ground,
In a cycle,
You can’t see,
Water comes to you and me!
Evaporation is a start,
But it’s not the only part,
From sea to sky,
Vapor floats,
But leaves enough to float in boats!
In the sky,
Water cools,
Forming clouds,
Like fish form schools,
Condensation makes it dense,
Like dollars have one hundred cents!
Then it falls, precipitation!
It’s like group participation…
Rain and hail,
Sleet and snow,
Water falls,
Plants can grow…
Fills up lakes, and streams, and seas,
We can drink it as we please,
Water used to brush our teeth,
Water wets the coral reef!
Water, water, what we need,
We need water to succeed,
And water cycle keeps it fresh,
Water cycle, you’re the best!