The Water Cycle - Teacher Explanation

Welcome to lesson 4.10 on The Water Cycle, part of the Year 4 curriculum on States of Matter. In this lesson, we aim to help students understand the roles of evaporation and condensation within the water cycle, linking these processes to temperature changes as outlined in the national curriculum. It's important to note that we will be using warm water for our demonstrations, so safety precautions are paramount. Students must avoid contact with the kettle and the jar containing warm water, and they must wait for equipment to cool down before handling. Spillages should be cleaned up promptly, and goggles are to be worn during practical activities. Additionally, care should be taken with hair dryers to avoid pointing them at anyone and to manage cables to prevent tripping hazards.

During the lesson, students will engage in a variety of activities, including creating a water cycle poster and conducting practical experiments to observe cloud formation and the effects of evaporation. For the cloud demonstration, we'll use jars, warm water, hairspray, and ice to show how clouds form when warm, moist air meets cooler air. In another activity, we'll simulate evaporation using hair dryers and water droplets, encouraging students to consider the relationship between wind and the rate of evaporation. Furthermore, we'll create a rain model using paper towels, shaving foam, and food coloring to illustrate precipitation. Each activity is designed to be interactive and informative, with opportunities for students to critically evaluate the models used and relate their observations to real-world phenomena. This lesson also integrates elements of art and religious education, providing a well-rounded educational experience.