Science Module: The Water Cycle
I. Introduction
Water is one of the most vital substances on Earth, covering about 71% of the planet's
surface. Despite its abundance, the availability of fresh water is limited. The Earth maintains
a balance of water through a continuous and dynamic process known as the **water cycle**
or **hydrologic cycle**. This cycle moves water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans,
ensuring that life can thrive. In this module, students will explore the stages, significance,
and environmental impacts of the water cycle.
II. Learning Objectives
• Define the water cycle and its major components.
• Explain how water moves through the Earth’s systems.
• Illustrate the processes involved in the water cycle.
• Analyze the importance of the water cycle to life and the environment.
• Identify the impact of human activities on the water cycle.
III. Key Concepts and Terms
Evaporation – The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor due to
heat from the sun.
Condensation – The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets,
forming clouds.
Precipitation – When water falls from clouds to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or
hail.
Infiltration – The process where water soaks into the ground and replenishes groundwater.
Runoff – Water that flows over the surface of the ground into rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Transpiration – The release of water vapor from the leaves of plants into the atmosphere.
Collection – The accumulation of water in bodies like rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground
reservoirs.
IV. The Stages of the Water Cycle
1. Evaporation
Water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water is heated by the sun and
converted into vapor. This vapor rises into the atmosphere. Evaporation is a critical step in
moving water into the air.
2. Transpiration
Similar to evaporation, transpiration occurs when plants release water vapor from their
leaves. This contributes significantly to the amount of water vapor in the air.
3. Condensation
As water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, it condenses into tiny droplets. These
droplets form clouds. This is a key process in forming precipitation.
4. Precipitation
When the droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or
hail. Precipitation brings water back to the Earth's surface.
5. Infiltration and Percolation
Some of the water that falls to Earth seeps into the ground. This water moves through soil
and rock layers, replenishing underground aquifers.
6. Runoff
Water that does not infiltrate the soil flows over the land surface and collects in rivers,
lakes, and oceans. Runoff can carry nutrients, sediments, and pollutants.
7. Collection
Water collects in bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. It may stay in these bodies for a
time before being evaporated again, continuing the cycle.
V. Importance of the Water Cycle
• Regulates the Earth’s temperature through heat exchange.
• Supports plant growth and agriculture through precipitation.
• Maintains freshwater resources for human and animal consumption.
• Recharges groundwater sources essential for drinking water and irrigation.
• Helps in weather and climate regulation.
• Prevents floods and droughts by distributing water.
VI. Human Impact on the Water Cycle
Human activities have greatly altered the natural water cycle. Urbanization, deforestation,
pollution, and climate change have affected how water moves through the environment. For
example, cutting down forests reduces transpiration, while urban development increases
surface runoff and decreases infiltration. The excessive withdrawal of groundwater also
lowers water tables and affects ecosystems. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas
emissions, is intensifying the hydrological cycle, causing more frequent floods and droughts.
VII. Activities and Questions
Activity 1: Water Cycle Diagram
Draw a detailed diagram of the water cycle. Label all the major components including
evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and transpiration.
Activity 2: Water Journal
Track your personal water usage for one day. List all the ways you use water, estimate how
much you use, and reflect on how you can conserve water in your daily routine.
Comprehension Questions
1. What are the main processes in the water cycle?
2. How does transpiration contribute to the water cycle?
3. What causes condensation to occur in the atmosphere?
4. How do human activities disrupt the water cycle?
5. Why is the water cycle essential for life on Earth?
VIII. Summary
The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through the Earth's atmosphere,
land, and oceans. It involves key processes such as evaporation, transpiration,
condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. These stages work together to regulate
climate, support ecosystems, and supply freshwater. Understanding the water cycle helps
us recognize the importance of conserving water and protecting natural resources. Human
activities can impact this cycle in significant ways, making environmental awareness and
responsibility more critical than ever.
