Water Cycle - Short easy reading practice about water cycle with keys

Water is very important for all types of lives on our planet from a tiny insect to a larger animal like an elephant. Without water, no life would exist since all lives need water to survive. People need water to drink, cook and wash every single day. Animals drink water and some others make water their home. There is a lot of water on our planet but not all water can be used. People and animal cannot drink sea water because it is very salty as it contains a lot of salt. There is more sea water than fresh water. Sea water is about 97 % compared to fresh water which is around 3%. Do you know where does the water come from and how does it move on earth? Now, Let’s explore how water moves around the planet to keep lives exist. Water travel or move around the earth again and again is called the water cycle.

Evaporation
When the sun is hot, it heats the water in rivers, lakes, and seas.
The water changes into water vapor.
Water vapor goes up into the air.
This is called evaporation.

Condensation
High in the sky, the air is cold.
The water vapor becomes tiny water drops.
These drops make clouds.
This is called condensation.

Precipitation
When clouds are heavy, water falls down to the ground.
It can berain,snow, or hail.
This is called precipitation.

Collection
Water falls into rivers,lakes,oceans, and ground.
Plants and animals use this water.
Then the sun heats the water again.
The water cycle starts again.

Key Vocabulary

• Water cycle 🔄💧 – water moves again and again
• Sun ☀️ – gives heat
• Evaporation 🌫️⬆️ – water goes up into the air
• Water vapor 💨💧 – water in the air
• Condensation ☁️ – clouds form
• Clouds ☁️☁️ – made of tiny water drops
• Precipitation 🌧️❄️ – rain, snow, or hail
• Collection 🌊🏞️ – water gathers in rivers and lakes

💧Gap-Filling Practice

Word Bank:
Water Cycle – Sun – Evaporation – Water Vapor – Condensation – Clouds – Precipitation – Collection

1. The __________ is how water moves again and again on Earth.
2. The __________ gives heat to the Earth.
3. __________ happens when water heats up and goes into the air.
4. Water in the air is called __________.
5. __________ happens when water vapor cools and forms tiny drops.
6. __________ are made of tiny water drops.
7. __________ is rain, snow, or hail that falls from clouds.
8. __________ is when water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

10 True / False statements 

1. Water is important for all living things on Earth. 
2. Only people need water to survive. 
3. Animals drink water and some animals live in water.
4. All water on Earth is safe for people and animals to drink. 
5. Sea water is very salty.
6. Fresh water is about 97% of all water on Earth. 
7. Evaporation happens when the sun heats water and it turns into vapor. 
8. Condensation happens when water vapor becomes tiny drops and forms clouds. 
9. Precipitation is when water falls from clouds as rain, snow, or hail.
10. The water cycle happens only one time. 

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