Professional Commentary
This USGS site provides a comprehensive look at the water cycle. The information is conveniently divided into the following topics: Storage in ice and snow, Precipitation, Snowmelt runoff to streams, Infiltration, Ground-water discharge, Ground-water storage, Water storage in oceans, Evaporation, Condensation, Water storage in the atmosphere, Transpiration, Surface runoff, Streamflow, Springs, and Freshwater storage. Each topic includes extensive information and links to additional sources. This content resource could be used by teachers as a source of data and information and for the printable diagram of the water cycle. The entire site could be used by middle grade students studying the water cycle. Additionally students studying physical changes, specifically evaporation and condensation, would find these sections of the resource to be very helpful. (ts)
Collections Containing This Resource
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2002)
Earth and Space Sciences
Benchmarks (6–8)
C.
Describe interactions of matter and energy throughout the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (e.g., water cycle, weather and pollution).
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 7)
3.
Describe the water cycle and explain the transfer of energy between the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
Physical Sciences
Benchmarks (3–5)
A.
Compare the characteristics of simple physical and chemical changes.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 4)
1.
Identify characteristics of a simple physical change (e.g., heating or cooling can change water from one state to another and the change is reversible).
National Science Education Standards
Physical Science
Properties of objects and materials (Grades Kindergarten - 4)
Earth and Space Science
Structure of the earth system (Grades 5 - 8)