3rd Grade Science

Investigating ecosystems, matter, and energy through hands-on experiments and observations.

Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of Energy
Food Chains and Food WebsThe Water CycleProperties of Materials
Making a Mini-TerrariumInvestigating Heat and MeltingBuilding a Simple Food Web
Observation and Note-TakingAsking Scientific Questions
Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of...Food Chains and Food...The Water CycleProperties of Materi...Making a Mini-Terrar...Investigating Heat a...Building a Simple Fo...Observation and Note...Asking Scientific Qu...
Advanced Topics

The Water Cycle

How Water Moves Around the Earth

Water is always moving! The water cycle explains how water travels from the ground to the sky and back again.

Steps of the Water Cycle

  • Evaporation: The sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, or oceans, turning it into vapor.
  • Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
  • Precipitation: Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, or hail.
  • Collection: Water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans, ready to start the cycle again.

Why is the Water Cycle Important?

The water cycle gives us fresh water to drink, helps plants grow, and keeps everything alive!

See It Yourself

  • Put a small bowl of water in the sun and watch it evaporate over a few days.
  • Notice how dew forms on grass in the morning (condensation).

Examples

  • Rain falls, runs into streams, and eventually makes its way to the ocean.

  • Steam rising from a hot sidewalk after rain is evaporation in action.

In a Nutshell

The water cycle moves water between the earth and sky, keeping everything alive.

Key Terms

Evaporation
When water turns from liquid to gas and rises into the air.
Condensation
When water vapor cools and turns back into liquid.
Precipitation
When water falls from the sky as rain, snow, or hail.
Next
Properties of Materials
The Water Cycle - 3rd Grade Science Content | Practice Hub