6.06 Here We Go Again Modeling the Water Cycle INTRODUCTION Water is constantly on the move being recycled between the air, the land, and plants and animals. This movement is called the water cycle. Water evaporates from the land and from the surfaces of puddles, streams, lakes, and oceans. When it evaporates, it changes into a gas (water vapor). Plants also give off (transpire) water vapor, and so do animals. Water vapor rises into the air, where it condenses into small droplets that form clouds. From the clouds, water falls on the Earth as rain or snow. It soaks into the ground or runs over the surface of the ground into rivers and lakes. Plants and animals use the water to live. Water evaporates and the cycle begins again. The water cycle allows Earth s water to be collected, purified, and used by living things. In this activity, you will create a model of the water cycle and observe how it effects living things. Evaporation Clouds Transpiration Rain Ocean Forest River TIME NEEDED 20 minutes to set up 10 minutes every few days over the next two weeks
6.06 Junior Environmental Activities On File TM Safety Precautions Please click on the checkmark to view the safety guidelines. WHAT YOU NEED Earth Journal (Activity 1.01), notebook, or notepaper two clear plastic cups sterilized potting soil or seed starter six radish seeds (Cherry Belle is a fast-growing variety) spray bottle of water piece of clear plastic wrap rubber band Here We Go Again Observation Record (photocopy or copy by hand into your Earth Journal or onto notebook paper) WHAT YOU DO 1. Fill each cup half-way with potting soil. 2. Plant three radish seeds in each cup. Here s how: MAKE THREE HOLES IN THE SOIL AS DEEP AS A PENCIL POINT. PLACE ONE SEED IN EACH HOLE. GENTLY COVER THE HOLES WITH SOIL. MIST THE SOIL USING THE SPRAY BOTTLE UNTIL THE TOP OF THE SOIL IS SOAKED. COVER ONE CUP WITH PLASTIC WRAP, HELD IN PLACE WITH A RUBBER BAND. LEAVE THE OTHER CUP UNCOVERED.
6.06 3. Place the cups in a sunny location. 4. Draw a picture in your Earth Journal of the two cups and write the date. 5. In a couple of days, look at the two cups, and write down your observations. Draw a picture of what you see. 6. Repeat Step 5 every few days for two weeks. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS What happened to the seeds in each cup? Conclusions, based on observation: a. How did the seeds in the covered cup get enough water to grow? b. What happened to the water in the uncovered cup? In the covered cup? c. What does this activity tell you about the water cycle? Questions I still have: Often a good experiment raises as many questions as it answers. Write down any that come to mind and think: How could you get answers to them? OUR FINDINGS Click on the link above to see what we found. Follow-Up Make a terrarium out of a fish tank or gallon jar. Place soil, plants, and small animals such as worms and snails in it. Seal the top with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Punch holes in the top so air can get in. Then watch to see what happens. Words to Know condense evaporate water cycle
6.06 Junior Environmental Activities On File TM Here We Go Again Observation Record (MAKE 1 COPY) Starting date: Location: DESCRIPTION, Cup A DESCRIPTION, Cup B DAY ONE DAY THREE DAY SIX DAY NINE DAY TWELVE DAY FIFTEEN
SAFETY Safe Science Procedures IMPORTANT: It is both fun and educational to learn science by doing science but experiments and field trips are no fun if you get hurt. Read and follow the safety tips on this page and the next. Then copy these two pages. Post them in your science activity area. Keep them in your science journal or log. Smart scientists are safe scientists. Special Safety Note to Experimenters Each experiment includes a short list of special safety precautions that are relevant to that particular project. However, these do not include all of the basic safety precautions that are necessary whenever you are working on a scientific experiment. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary that you read, copy, and remain mindful of the General Safety Precautions that follow this note. Good experimental procedure always includes carefully following basic safety rules. Things can happen very quickly while you are performing an experiment. Things can spill, break, even catch fire. There will be no time after the fact to protect yourself. Always prepare for unexpected dangers by following basic safety guidelines the entire time you are performing the experiment, whether or not something seems dangerous to you at a given moment. We assume you will read the safety precautions that follow, as well as the ones that appear with each activity and that you will remember them and follow the recommendations. You must use good judgment and pay attention when you are doing your experiment. If you have any questions about whether or not a procedure or material is dangerous, wait until you find out for sure that it is safe.
SAFETY Junior Environmental Activities On File TM Safe Science Procedures (continued) BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Read the entire experiment before you begin. Clear a workspace. Protect yourself: Follow the directions, step-by-step. Make sure you know where there is a first-aid kit and eyewash. Concentrate on what you are doing; do not roughhouse. Wear something to protect your clothes, like a smock or apron. Clean up spills immediately. Tie back your hair; do not wear loose clothing or open-toed shoes. Keep your workspace neat and dry. Do not eat or drink in your workspace. Do not light matches. Do not eat or drink any experimental substances without express permission from a responsible adult. Wear goggles or protective eyewear when working with sand, etc. USE EQUIPMENT WITH CARE Use caution when working with scissors, knives, or other sharp objects. Set up your experiments far away from the edge of your work surface as practicable. Use care when working with glass. Clean up broken glass immediately. Be careful when using stepstools, chairs, or ladders. GOING ON FIELD TRIPS Never go on a field trip by yourself; use the buddy system. Tell a responsible adult where you are going. Know where you are going and gather information about any danger, such as poisonous plants, that may be present there. Dress appropriately for the weather (rain, sun, etc.). Bring along a first aid kit. Never eat or drink anything you find in the wild. FINISHING UP Thoroughly clean your work area and equipment. Don t dispose of materials down the sink, unless you are told to do so by a responsible adult. Wash your hands.
Animals & Plants to Look Out For SAFETY (COPY & PASTE IN YOUR FIELD LOG) SCORPION FIRE ANT AFRICAN BEE BLACK WIDOW BROWN RECLUSE POISON SUMAC POISON IVY POISON OAK