This week we explored all the places water is found on Earth. We learned that water covers about seventy-one percent of our planet, which is why Earth is called the Blue Planet. Most of this water is saltwater in the oceans. Only a tiny amount is freshwater that we can drink, and much of that is frozen in glaciers, ice caps, and snow.
We discovered the different forms water takes on Earth. Oceans are vast bodies of saltwater. Lakes and ponds are bodies of freshwater surrounded by land. Rivers and streams carry freshwater from higher ground to lower ground. Groundwater is hidden underground, soaking into soil and collecting between rocks. Glaciers and ice caps store frozen water at the poles and on tall mountains.
We also learned about the water cycle, the never-ending journey water takes through four stages. Evaporation turns liquid water into water vapor. Condensation turns water vapor back into liquid droplets in clouds. Precipitation sends water falling as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Collection gathers water in oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground. Then the cycle begins again, powered by the sun.
1. List four places water is found on Earth.
2. What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
3. What powers the water cycle?
4. Explain why the water cycle is important for life on Earth.
Write a definition or draw a picture for each word.
Fill in the chart with information about different water features on Earth.
| Water Feature | Fresh or Salt? | Where You Find It | One Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean | |||
| Lake | |||
| River | |||
| Glacier | |||
| Groundwater |
Draw lines connecting each water cycle stage to its description.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Evaporation | Water collects in oceans, lakes, and underground. |
| Condensation | Rain, snow, sleet, or hail falls from clouds. |
| Precipitation | The sun heats water and it turns into vapor. |
| Collection | Water vapor cools and forms clouds. |
Draw a map of Earth showing different water features. Include at least one ocean, one lake, one river, one glacier, and show groundwater underground. Label each feature clearly.
Think about everything you learned about water on Earth. Answer each prompt with your best thinking.
Prompt 1: Why is it important that Earth has the water cycle? What would be different without it?
Prompt 2: Where do you use water every day? How does water from the ocean, a lake, or a river eventually reach your home?
Prompt 3: What is one thing you can do to help protect Earth's water supply? Explain your idea.
1. Most of Earth's water is freshwater.
2. The water cycle has four main stages.
3. Evaporation is when water turns into water vapor.
4. Groundwater is found deep below the surface.
5. Glaciers are large masses of frozen freshwater.
6. Rivers flow from lower ground to higher ground.
7. The sun provides the energy for the water cycle.
8. Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
Word Bank: oceanevaporationcondensationprecipitationfreshwatersaltwaterglaciergroundwater
1. The largest bodies of water on Earth are called ________________.
2. Water that soaks into soil and collects underground is ________________.
3. The process of water turning into vapor is called ________________.
4. When water vapor cools and forms clouds, it is called ________________.
5. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all forms of ________________.
6. Most of Earth's water is ________________ found in the oceans.
7. The small amount of water we can drink is called ________________.
8. A large mass of moving ice is a ________________.
Check off each concept you feel confident about.
| Concept | I Understand This |
|---|---|
| I can name at least five places water is found on Earth. | |
| I can tell the difference between freshwater and saltwater. | |
| I can name and describe the four stages of the water cycle. | |
| I can draw and label a water cycle diagram. | |
| I understand why the water cycle is important. | |
| I know what groundwater is and where it is found. |