Investigating rivers
QCA Unit 14

Activities for home - Make a model of the water cycle

You will need...

1. A large washing-up bowl

2. Cling film or thin, clear plastic sheeting

3. Sticky tape

4. Soil

5. Water

6. An old spoon

7. A jug or large plastic jar

8. A marble or small pebble

Try this...

1. Put a little soil in a jug or large jar and add water. Stir the mixture to make muddy water.

2. Put the muddy water into the washing-up bowl to a depth of about 10 centimetres.

3. Cover the bowl with cling film or clear plastic sheeting and seal the edges with sticky tape.

4. Put a small marble or pebble in the middle of the plastic sheeting so that it makes a slight hollow.

5. Stand the bowl out in the sun. Look at it carefully over the next two to three hours. What has happened? Explain what you see. Use these words in your explanation: heat; sun; evaporates; condenses; and rain.