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The Water Cycle

Grade levels: K-4, 5-8, 9-12
Themes: ocean circulation, water cycle
Video: water_cycle_ipod_640x480.m4v.flv

This animation shows one molecule of water completing the hydrologic cycle. Heat from the sun causes the molecule to evaporate from the ocean's surface. Once it evaporates, it is transported high in the atmosphere and condenses to form clouds.

Clouds can move great distances and eventually the water molecule will fall as rain or snow. Ultimately, the water molecule arrives back where it started...at the ocean. (source)
 
Student Outcomes 
After viewing this video, students should be able to:

Describe the connections between the salt water found in the ocean and the fresh water in the water cycle. (O: K-4)

Explain how the processes of the water cycle (e.g., evaporation, precipitation) relate to the oceans. (W: 5-8)

Explain the relationship between fresh water and ocean dynamics. (W: 9-12)

Key:  C = climate / O = ocean circulation / T = 21st century technology / W = water cycle