Explain that the steam coming from the kettle is evaporation - changing a liquid to a gas by using heat energy. Hold the ice tray with ice cubes in it over the steam. The coolness of the ice will cause the steam to condense - vapor changing to liquid by removing the heat energy. After a short time, enough water will collect on the bottom of the ice tray that the tray will not be able to hold it all, and it will begin to drip off. This is precipitation - moisture in the form of rain, sleet, snow, and hail that falls to earth.
Farmers are now happy.
Name the three components of the water cycle. Explain what happens during each component. Draw a picture illustrating how the water cycle operates. Check student responses for accuracy.