The Water Cycle

Water is all around us. It is in the sky, on the land, and under the ground. Water moves from one place to another. This movement is called the water cycle. The water cycle is very important for our Earth.

The water cycle has different steps. One step is called evaporation. Evaporation is when the sun heats up water and turns it into a gas called water vapor. The water vapor goes up into the air.

Another step is condensation. Condensation is when water vapor cools down and turns back into a liquid. This liquid forms clouds. Think of when you see your breath on a cold day. That is condensation!

Next, we have precipitation. Precipitation is when water falls from the clouds. It can fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. The type of precipitation depends on how cold or warm it is in the clouds and on the ground.

The water cycle is always happening. Water goes up into the sky, forms clouds, falls back to the ground, and then starts all over again. The water cycle helps plants, animals, and people. It is how we get the water we need to live.