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Performance Task:
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The water cycle is very important to life on Earth.
In this task you will conduct a scientific inquiry in order to gain a better
understanding of the water cycle. You will work in groups of four or five
students each to complete this task. First, brainstorm in your group about
possible ways you could make a model of the water cycle in the classroom.
Note to teacher: At this point you may want to help those groups
experiencing difficulty with this phase of the task and tell them what materials you have available with which
they might work. After all groups have had sufficient time to brainstorm, a
class summary time might be useful.
Use the following procedure to make a model of the water cycle:
- Pour about three inches of very warm water into a one-gallon glass jar.
- Quickly cover it with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band.
- Place a small plastic bag filled with ice cubes on top the plastic wrap.
- Observe what happens in the jar.
When finished with your observation, you will describe in your science
journal the conclusions of the inquiry. State clearly what you observed,
draw a picture of your water cycle model, and discuss the importance of the
water cycle to life on Earth. Use appropriate scientific vocabulary.
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Knowledge / Skills:
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Plan and apply real or hypothetical models and
constructions to facilitate investigation and learning and the solution to
practical problems. (xs2)
Know the processes involved in the water cycle,
(i.e., evaporation, condensation, precipitation, surface runoff,
percolation) and their effects on climate patterns. (s7)
Understand physical/chemical change (e.g.,
change of phase between gases, liquids, and solids). (s57)
Use writing as a tool for learning in formats
such as learning logs, laboratory reports, note-taking, and journals. (ela40)
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