Water Drop Puzzle

This fun puzzle reinforces the vocabulary of the water cycle.

Grade Level: 3 - 8

Time: 10 - 20 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS2.C, MP.1, SL1

What are we learning?

Introduction to key terminology or vocabulary review! 8 puzzles with basic definitions:
water cycle: the movement of water from surface to sky, back to surface
evaporation: when liquid water becomes a gas called vapor
condensation: when water molecules come together
precipitation: rain, snow, sleet, and hail
collection: when water gathers after precipitation
surface water: water on the surface of the earth
groundwater: water that is found beneath earth's surface
conservation: to save, protect, and use wisely natural resources

Materials Needed

Online Version

Copy of the Google Slide

Hands-On Version

Print/cut out each puzzle piece

How is it done?

Make a copy of the Google Slide below and give each participant a copy in google classroom. (Or, send a copy to participants via email.) -OR- for physical puzzles, print the PDF above on cardstock and each student can manipulate the set of 8 puzzles at their desk/table.
This vocabulary activity can be carried out as a group, or individually with each student working on their own puzzles.
The activity is complete when each water drop puzzle has been matched: water vocabulary word with its correct definition, forming 8 water drops!

What to expect?

This can be used an introductory activity to a Water Cycle unit, or as a vocabulary review.
Reinforcement of key terminology: water cycle, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection, surface water, groundwater, conservation.
A simple, fun matching activity that can be done as a class/group, or individually where each student builds their own puzzles, either with the printed paper template, or by dragging and matching in Google Slides.

Water Drop Slides

Before doing the activity, you must first make a copy of the Slides and save it for yourself in order to use it or sample it.

Create a physical copy!

If you would like to create a physical puzzle for in person, hands-on use, simply print onto cardstock, cut out each piece of the puzzle with scissors, and you are set to go!

(For repeated, longer-term use, lamination is suggested.)