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Study Guide: The Water Cycle
Grade 5 Science | Unit 3 Review

Key Vocabulary:

• Evaporation: When water turns from liquid to gas
• Condensation: When water vapor turns back to liquid
• Precipitation: Water falling as rain, snow, or hail
• Collection: Water gathering in oceans, lakes, and groundwater

Main Concepts:

1. The Sun Powers the Water Cycle

   • Solar energy heats water in oceans and lakes
   • Warm water evaporates into the atmosphere
   • This is the START of the water cycle

2. Water Rises and Cools

   • Water vapor rises into the atmosphere
   • As it rises, it cools down
   • Cool vapor condenses into tiny droplets (clouds)

3. Precipitation Returns Water to Earth

   • Water droplets combine in clouds
   • When heavy enough, they fall as precipitation
   • Type depends on temperature (rain, snow, sleet, hail)

Review Questions:

1. What causes water to evaporate? (Answer: Heat from the sun)
2. Where does condensation happen? (Answer: In the atmosphere/clouds)
3. Name three types of precipitation. (Answer: Rain, snow, hail, sleet)

Study Tips:

• Draw and label the water cycle diagram
• Use hand motions to remember each stage
• Quiz yourself using the vocabulary cards