Trace Water

Grades 3–5 · Student activity

Explain four process labels and the supported runoff route; name a limit of the model.

Use this activity after the teacher-selected reading. Check your ideas against that source.

Try it your way

Tell your answer to a partner, draw on the student page, or write here. Someone can read the question and record your words.

Open the drawing and writing page

Help me get started

“I notice ____. The source shows ____. I still need to check ____.”

You can point to the source while someone helps you say or write your answer.

Body of water / water vapor in air / cloud droplets / ground
Label every arrow with the movement
Grades 3–5: rainwater runoff → lake collection
Evidence — which source supports each arrow?

My response My evidence or question to check

An oral response or a drawing counts too. You do not have to fill these boxes to join the activity.

Check my thinking

What am I looking for?

I can explain the labelled water movements and show a runoff route into a lake without claiming every drop follows it.

One possible response

Water evaporates, condenses into droplets and falls as precipitation. In the lake example rainwater runs down slopes and gathers in the lake. These are examples, not every route.

This is a teacher-created example, not a quotation or the only possible answer. Compare it with the selected source and your own response.

What should I do next? I can explain it with evidence. I have part of an answer. I need help getting started.

Choose a next step with your teacher or partner. This activity does not grade your answer.