Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual
The Water Cycle
Describe the water cycle, tracing water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, surface runoff, and transpiration in plants, explaining how the sun drives the cycle
Suggested ages 11–12
Evidence of understanding
- Labels a water cycle diagram correctly
- Explains what drives each stage of the water cycle (e.g. solar energy drives evaporation)
- Explains the role of transpiration (plants releasing water vapour) in the water cycle
- Discusses how human activities (deforestation, paving) affect the water cycle
Assessment prompt
If The Water Cycle watched rain falling outside and was asked where that water had been before it fell, could they trace its journey through the water cycle from the sea to the clouds to the rain and back?
Standards alignment
KS3.Sci.Bio.Ecosystem.5GB · uk-nc-2013
The water cycle
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3