Water flowing down a mountain
Factors that Affect The Movement of Water
Grades 3-5
We previously learned that water moves about the planet through the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation, all of which are components of the water cycle. However, what we have yet to learn is why water travels in this way. What is causing the water to move up into the atmosphere or down from the clouds and to the Earth’s surface? The answers to these questions will be addressed in this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
I can describe the factors that control the movement of water on Earth.
- What factors control the movement of water on Earth?
- Which factor is responsible for evaporation?
- Which factor is responsible for precipitation?
Video Clip
- Explain how gravity plays a role in the movement of water in this video.
- Explain how the sun plays a role in the movement of water in this video.
- What processes from the water cycle are being shown in the video?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Have students analyze the models of four different mountains, each with a different steepness. The models also show how the speed of the flow of water is different for each of these mountains. Students should use the models to answer the following questions:
- What patterns do you notice when it comes to the steepness of the mountain and the speed of the flow of water down it?
- What role does gravity play in the movement of water down a mountain?
Water in the Winter and Summer
As students play the video have them answer the following questions:
- When was it winter in this video? When was it summer in this video? How do you know?
- How does the sun play a role in the characteristics of water in the winter and summer seasons?
Students will analyze the model to explain how the sun and gravity impact the water cycle.
Students should use the models to answer the following questions:
- What role does gravity play in the precipitation phase?
- How does the sun transform liquid water, aiding its movement from plants and the ocean into the atmosphere?
- How does gravity influence the movement of water from mountains to lower surfaces on Earth and towards the ocean?
Career Connections
