• Edpuzzle

  https://edpuzzle.com/

  Students can watch videos with intermittent questions throughout. This is a great way to keep them motivated.

• Kahoot https://kahoot.com/

  Kahoot keeps things fun and enjoyable for students. It’s very engaging.

• Go noodle https://www.gonoodle.com/

  This app is a great way to get energy out. Especially if it’s raining and you can’t go outside for recess.

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

  There is a plethora of educational videos on this app. Many unique and creative ones that capture attention.

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5 E's Lesson Plan: Water Cycle

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Subject: Science

1. ENGAGE

Objective: Capture students' interest in the water cycle and activate prior knowledge.

Activity: "Mystery in the Jar"

• Materials Needed:

  • A clear jar with a lid

  • Ice cubes

  • Warm water

• Procedure:

  1. Fill the jar halfway with warm water and seal it with the lid.

  2. Place ice cubes on top of the lid.

  3. Ask students to observe what happens over time.

• Questions to Pose:

  • “What do you see happening inside the jar?”

  • “Why do you think this is happening?”

  • “What do you already know about where water comes from and goes?”

Expected Student Behaviors:

• Show curiosity and wonder.

• Ask questions about the observations.

• Share their thoughts and ideas with peers.

2. EXPLORE

Objective: Allow students to investigate and observe the components of the water cycle.

Activity: "Water Cycle Stations"

• Materials Needed:

  • Water

  • Small containers (for evaporation)

  • Ice (for condensation)

  • Soil (for infiltration)

  • Plastic sheet (for runoff)

  • Worksheets for recording observations

• Procedure:

  1. Set up four stations around the classroom, each representing a part of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

  2. In groups, have students rotate through the stations, carrying out simple experiments and recording their observations.

• Questions to Guide Exploration:

  • “What happens to the water in each station?”

  • “Can you find any patterns in what you observe?”

  • “What do you think happens to the water after it rains?”

Expected Student Behaviors:

• Engage in discussions with group members.

• Test predictions at each station.

• Record and compare their findings.

3. EXPLAIN

Objective: Help students articulate and refine their understanding of the water cycle.

Activity: "Creating the Water Cycle Model"

• Materials Needed:

  • Large poster paper

  • Markers

  • Water cycle vocabulary cards (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, etc.)

• Procedure:

  1. Ask students to share their observations and findings from the Explore phase.

  2. Introduce the key vocabulary and concepts related to the water cycle.

  3. In groups, have students create a model on the poster paper, labeling each part of the water cycle.

• Questions to Facilitate Discussion:

  • “How do each of these processes work together?”

  • “Can you explain what happens during evaporation and condensation?”

Expected Student Behaviors:

• Actively listen and respond to peers.

• Use scientific language to explain their thoughts.

• Collaborate to create a group model.

4. ELABORATE

Objective: Apply knowledge of the water cycle to new situations and extend understanding.

Activity: "Water Cycle Simulation"

• Materials Needed:

  • A large clear plastic container

  • Water

  • Heat source (sunlight or lamp)

  • Ice cubes

• Procedure:

  1. Create a mini water cycle in a container by heating water with sunlight or a lamp and placing ice on top to represent the atmosphere.

  2. Ask students to predict what will happen and monitor the changes over time.

  3. Have students draw conclusions based on their observations.

• Questions to Encourage Deeper Thinking:

  • “What effects do temperature and pressure have on the water cycle?”

  • “How might changes to our environment impact the water cycle?”

Expected Student Behaviors:

• Apply their understanding to the simulation.

• Communicate findings and conclusions to classmates.

• Make connections to real-world applications of the water cycle.

5. EVALUATE

Objective: Assess student understanding of the water cycle concepts.

Activity: "Water Cycle Quiz and Reflection"

• Materials Needed:

  • Quiz on the water cycle (multiple choice and open-ended questions)

  • Reflection worksheets

• Procedure:

  1. Administer a short quiz assessing their understanding of the water cycle.

  2. Have students complete a reflection worksheet where they summarize what they learned and formulate new questions they still have.

• Questions for Reflection:

  • “What is one new thing you learned about the water cycle?”

  • “What questions do you still have?”

Expected Student Behaviors:

• Complete the quiz and reflect on their learning.

• Engage in self-assessment and peer feedback.

• Show growth in understanding and curiosity.

Materials Summary

• Clear jar with lid, ice cubes, warm water

• Water, small containers, soil, plastic sheet, worksheets

• Large poster paper, markers, vocabulary cards

• Large clear plastic container, heat source

Assessment Criteria

• Participation in activities

• Accuracy in observations and recordings

• Understanding of key concepts in discussions and models

• Performance on quizzes and reflection worksheets

This lesson plan is designed to guide 3rd-grade students through an interactive and engaging exploration of the water cycle, fostering curiosity and a deeper