Reading · Grade 3
The Water Cycle
Name Date Score
Water is always on the move. When the sun heats a lake or ocean, some water turns into an invisible gas called water vapor. This is called evaporation. The vapor rises and cools, forming tiny drops that make clouds. When the drops grow heavy, they fall back to earth as rain or snow. This is called precipitation. The water flows into rivers and lakes, and the whole cycle begins again.
What makes water turn into vapor?
What is it called when water turns into vapor?
What forms when vapor cools?
What is rain or snow called?
Why is it called a cycle?
Answer Key
- Heat from the sun.
- Evaporation.
- Clouds (from tiny drops).
- Precipitation.
- Because it repeats over and over.