Friends exhibit interests in referring to the book of What Makes It Rain? Margo illustrates the water cycle as a continuous process by describing the movement of water. On this opportunity, we are keen to include some key points of each stage of the water cycle - evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. The water cycle is all around us, and even though it might seem invisible, it’s a constant part of our daily lives. From the rain that waters our plants to the clouds we see in the sky, the water cycle is nature’s way of recycling water. By introducing this concept to ourselves, we’re helping ourselves appreciate the interconnectedness of the environment and laying the groundwork for future scientific learning. To simulate the water cycle, we heated water in a pot to represent the sun warming bodies of water. As the water boils, it evaporates, creating steam. We then place a container above the boiling water, where the steam condenses into droplets on the cooler surface, mimicking cloud formation. Finally, the droplets grow heavy and drip back into the pot, representing precipitation. This hands-on experiment effectively demonstrates the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in a simple and engaging way for us. During her observation of the experiment, Margo explains when the water is boiling, the water is going up. In other words Margo notices when water boils, it undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor. Nora's explanation shows her understanding of key aspects of the water cycle, particularly evaporation. She recognizes that water changes form when it evaporates, becoming invisible to the naked eye, and is aware of the role of air and wind in moving the evaporated water. Nora also understands that this invisible water eventually returns as rain completing the cycle. Her awareness of evaporation, the role of air and wind, and the eventual return of water as rain reflects her curiosity and knowledge about the environment. It's a sunny day so we decide to initiate a group conversation outdoor. The bright weather inspires a discussion about the natural elements surrounding us, particularly focusing on the water cycle and weather patterns. To begin, we read What Makes it Rain? The Story of a Raindrop by Keith Brandt sparks our interest. During the conversation, we study a picture of the puddle that has dried up after a sunny day. We ask Fides on "What happens to the water?". Fides answers, "The water rises up". Then we ask, "Does it mean the puddle have more water or less water?" Fides comes up with his thought again, "Less water". Fides' observations about the water rising and the puddle having less water demonstrate his understanding of how the sun affects water in the environment. This conversation, and the learning experience that follows, offer an opportunity for us to continue investigating the water cycle, and digging deeper into how water moves and changes in our world. During the conversation, Emily explains, in her own way. how her understanding of the water cycle is very much related to the habitat of the aquatic life itself. Vivaan has a wonderful understanding of the water cycle! He explains it as a process where water starts in the ocean, rises up to the clouds, then falls as rain, and finally, it lands on the ground and dries up again. His explanation captures the essential stages of the water cycle in a simple and clear way. We choose to revisit the experiment. This time round, we exchange many thoughts pondering upon this situation. Felix unhesitatingly states the fact what is going to happen to the fish in the water when the water level drops. He examines the depletion of water can disrupt the entire aquatic ecosystem. As part of our learning about water cycle, we decide to revisit the water cycle experiment to make the concepts more visible. This time round, we invite friends, who have gone through this experiment earlier on, to be the ones to introduce the concept. For example, we observe as water is boiled and apparently "disappeared", also the ice places on top is melted. We begin wondering, "Where is water?". And when we ask. "Do we have the same quantity of water?" Nora confidently responds. "It evaporates". This experiment provides a powerful visual and hands-on experience for us to explore the concept of evaporation, and the children's curiosity and questions suggest we are developing and understanding of the water cycle and the transformation of water in different stages. We agree to conclude our emerging understanding with a collective sharing of thought. We think that this situation requires us to think together. It is valuable to understand certain situations; however, the more important thing is to work together, in our small ways, to be part of a bigger action. Kindest,
Children & Friends.
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