Water Cycle Activities

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The water cycle has several components:

• Precipitation: This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail that falls to the Earth from the atmosphere.
• Runoff: Precipitation that doesn’t evaporate or seep into the ground becomes runoff and flows into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.
• Evaporation: Water on the surface of the Earth, such as in oceans, lakes, and rivers, evaporates into water vapor, which rises into the atmosphere.
• Transpiration: Plants release water vapor through small openings in their leaves called stomata. This process is called transpiration.
• Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses, forming clouds.

The water cycle is a continuous, never-ending process, with water constantly moving through the different components. It is important for the survival of all living things, as well as the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems, climate, and weather patterns. 

If you are looking for some water cycle activities to use with your students in your science class, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a set of 6 comic strip templates that students can use to draw pictures of a water droplet as it goes through the different stages. The included templates include those with spaces to draw, write, and be creative!

🖨️ Download & Print 

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can use whiteboard markers to create their comics, then erase and reuse them.

This resource was created by Madison Evans, a teacher in North Carolina and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

While you’re here, check out more activities and teaching resources that fill your lesson plans and students’ brains:

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Water Cycle in a Bag – Investigation Activity

Create a water cycle in a bag, make observations, and answer discussion questions with this printable science activity.

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Water Cycle Crossword Puzzle

Review water cycle vocabulary with a crossword puzzle.

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The Water Cycle – Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Enhance your students’ comprehension and science vocabulary skills with this water cycle worksheet.