This short animated video follows a water droplet as he and his friends learn about the water cycle.
The group travels through the water cycle learning about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
There are discussion questions and additional links provided below the video.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video is an engaging way to learn how water reacts to changes in temperature and the different states of matter it undergoes throughout the water cycle.
It is brief and engaging for younger students.
Additional Prerequisites
This resource requires access to the Internet.
Answers to the questions provided can be accessed by contacting the Green Ninja team. The email is found at the bottom of the landing page.
Differentiation
Have students describe what occurs to water during evaporation, condensation, and precipitation and why, following the video.
For students familiar with climate change, have them research how climate change is affecting the water cycle.
Challenge older students to consider why each stage of the water cycle is important to life on Earth.
Use this lesson for a more in-depth look at the water cycle and its importance.
Scientist Notes
This resource provides teachers with a guide to teach students about the water cycle. The resources provided includes framing questions to gauge students understanding of carbon footprints prior to watching a video ~ 3.5 minutes long. The video centers around a group of friends, one of which is a drop of water. Focus questions along with follow-up questions and optional extensions are provided. This video, along with the supporting material is well-sourced and would make a great addition to a classroom discussing the water cycle, and what effects pollution could have on water.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
2-ESS2-3 Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.
PS1: Matter and its Interactions
2-PS1-4 Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
