Unit A

Module 1 ~ Lesson 3

Water Cycle

Print the lab activity sheet. If you do not have access to a printer, use the Word or Google document.
Use the Explore Learning Water Cycle Gizmo and follow the instructions on the lab activity sheet.
Reflect on the role of the water cycle in global warming. What do you think will happen to the glaciers and icecaps of Earth if global warming continues? How will this impact people and other living things?
Consider your own water usage. Other than cooking and drinking, how do you use water? How could you reduce your water usage?

Self-Check

Why is water known as the universal solvent? How is this useful?

Water is a polar molecule, so the positively charged hydrogen atoms easily form bonds with negatively charged ionic molecules. The negatively charged oxygen atom will also form an ionic bond with positively charged ionic molecules. Therefore, water will dissolve almost any ionic compound. Since it dissolves so many compounds, water then has the ability to transport ionic compounds where they are needed. For example, phosphorus in the soil dissolves in water in order to get to the roots of plants.