Title: (Optional) Explain the water cycle.
Course: Introduction to Agriscience (18001-6) > Section: Introducing Ecology and Conservation

Explanation should include

- defining water cycle: the repeated circulation of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back to the atmosphere
- understanding that the amount of water does not change but its location does
- listing the steps in the cycle
  - Water is heated by the sun.
  - The heated water evaporates into the atmosphere.
  - Clouds form in the atmosphere.
  - Clouds move over land and moisture condenses.
  - Moisture is released as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
  - Water falls to land and (1) runs off to streams, rivers, groundwater, and oceans, or (2) is absorbed by plants and released into the atmosphere by transpiration, or (3) is used by animals and humans.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the steps in the water cycle?
- How does the water cycle influence your life?
- What role does water play in agriculture?
- What is the importance of the sun in the water cycle?
- Why would the water level of a pond vary throughout the year?
- How does the water cycle impact the environment?
- How does water change as it moves through the water cycle?
- How do all the parts of the water cycle fit together?
- Where does water come from? Where does it go?
- Where does the water on the ground come from? How does precipitation form?