[Marsha123]

Hi all!
I am looking for a hands on lesson to teach 2nd graders about the water cycle. Does anyone know of anything?
Thanks so much,
Marsha

[hescollin]

Story: One day the rain started to come down from the sky. It landed on the grass. The raindrops made a puddle. The sun came out and warmed up the puddle. The droplets evaporated and went into the sky. so many raindrops got together that they make a cloud. Then the rain fell from the cloud. It landed on the grass. The children move the beads as the story is told.
Water travels in a cycle, yes it does
(use pointer finger to make a big circle)

Water travels in a cycle, yes it does
(repeat finger circle)

It goes up as evaporation
(move hands up to the sky)

Forms clouds as condensation
(make a cloud overhead with arms)

Then comes down as precipitation, yes it does!
(sprinkle with fingers while bringing arms down in front of you)

[2ndGradeDeb]

After we read about the water cycle, discuss it, and draw and label a picture, we sing the following song:

(Tune: Clementine-I think this is what it is called!)

Evaporation (fingers wiggling up),
condensation (make a cloud over head with hands)
precipitation (fingers wiggling down like rain)
on my mind. (point to head)
These are parts of the water cycle and they happen all the time! (make a circle with finger)

[TootSweet]

I love this activity and do it yearly...
At each table give them a large piece of white butcher paper (large enough to almost cover the table) Each student should take a turn wading up the paper into a ball. Next, stretch out the paper but leave crumples in it to represent the mountains and valleys. Around the edge, turn up the paper (to keep the water from running off to their tables). Give each student a blue magic marker (NOT the permanant type) and model to them how to use the edge of it to trace the very peaks of the mountains as if it is the snow at the top of the mountains. Give them a few minutes to color the edge of every ridge.Next, with a small cup of water and eyedroppers for everyone, demonstrate how the rain drops on top of the mountains. The water colors from the marker will start spilling down the mountains making streams and lakes. You can have them suck back up the water with the eye dropper like "evaporation".
Use this activity with the water cycle songs the PP gave you and they will learn the water cycle very quickly!

[Marsha123]

Thank you for the song/gestures! I can't wait to use it in the classroom.
Marsha

[Marsha123]

I love this idea! Thanks!
Marsha

[Marsha123]

Another great idea! Thanks for all your help.
Marsha

[CatInTheHat]

Just another version...the kids love it!

Oh, The water cycle boogie goes up and down. (move arms above head and then to the ground)
The water cycle cycle boogie goes round and round (twirl in a circle)
Evaporation (wiggle fingers and move up)
Condensation (make cloud above head)
Precipitation (wiggle fingers and move down)

Then keep repeating...have fun!

[Lilacs]

These are two water cycle songs that are a little more complex/wordy but cute. I have added the two from the previous poster --thanks to both of you!