You can create a miniature water cycle in a bowl using these simple steps!
Materials You'll Need:
- A bowl
- A mug
- Water
- Clear plastic wrap
- String
- Pitcher or bucket
Steps to Create Your Mini Water Cycle:
Here's how to set up your own miniature water cycle, referencing the provided instructions:
- Pour water into the bowl: Using your pitcher or bucket, add water to the bowl until it's about ΒΌ full. This acts as your 'ocean'.
- Place the mug: Put the mug in the center of the bowl. This will collect the 'rain'.
- Cover the bowl: Cover the top of the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to create a sealed environment.
- Secure the plastic wrap: Use the string to tie around the bowl, holding the plastic wrap firmly in place. This prevents water vapor from escaping.
- Create the greenhouse effect: Put the bowl in a sunny place outside. The sun's energy will heat the water.
- Observe: Watch the bowl to see what happens! You'll see water evaporating, condensing on the plastic wrap, and then falling back into the mug as 'rain'.
What's Happening?
The mini water cycle demonstrates the real water cycle on a smaller scale:
- Evaporation: The sun heats the water in the bowl, causing it to evaporate and turn into water vapor.
- Condensation: The water vapor rises and hits the plastic wrap, which is cooler. The vapor condenses, forming water droplets.
- Precipitation: As the water droplets get bigger, they become too heavy and fall back down into the mug as 'rain'.
