Water Cycle Game

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Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

NOAA

Collection:

NOAA

Grade Level:

Secondary

Abstract:

Ever wonder where the water you're drinking came from? Where were those water molecules last? With the roll of the dice, you can simulate the journey water molecules may take as they travel within the water cycle.

Water is constantly in motion. Sometimes quickly, like in a fast-flowing river, but sometimes it moves quite slowly, as in underground aquifers. Appreciating the complexity of how water moves around, on a watershed scale, helps us understand how either dissolved contaminants, or those attached to particles, are transported throughout a watershed.

Through role-playing as a molecule of water in this game, you can gain a better understanding for the true complexity of the movement of water. Stations are set-up for each of nine different compartments of the water cycle. On each turn, a roll of the dice at each station tells you where to move next. Colored trackers record each person's unique journey through the water cycle to compare to others' journeys later on. You will identify the states of water, and when water changes states as it moves through its cycle. You will also learn where pollutants can enter the water cycle, be transported around, or be left behind.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Games, Teaching and Learning Strategies

Media Format:

Text/HTML, Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Public Domain
Images and text on NOAA websites are in the public domain. We just ask that you credit NOAA. In general, there is no set standard for how you do this.