Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Evaporation & the Water Cycle
Identify the role of evaporation and condensation in the water cycle, and associate the rate of evaporation with temperature
Suggested ages 8–9
Learning journey
Your child is exploring states of matter — learning to identify solids, liquids, and gases, and discovering how water changes form through evaporation and condensation.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe evaporation as liquid turning to gas and condensation as gas turning to liquid
- Explain the water cycle: evaporation from seas/lakes → condensation into clouds → precipitation
- Explain why evaporation happens faster at higher temperatures (e.g. puddles dry faster on hot days)
Assessment prompt
Can Evaporation & the Water Cycle explain why puddles disappear on a sunny day and where the water goes, and why the bathroom mirror steams up after a hot shower?
Standards alignment
Y4.Sci.SM.3GB · uk-nc-2013
Evaporation, condensation and the water cycle
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2