Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is condensation?

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Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is precipitation?

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Precipitation is any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What are aquifers?

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Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediment that store groundwater.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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How do snow and rain recharge aquifers?

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Snow and rain infiltrate the ground and replenish aquifers by allowing water to seep into the soil and rock layers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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What is the difference between salt water and fresh water?

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Salt water contains a high concentration of salt, primarily found in oceans, while fresh water has a low salt concentration and is found in rivers, lakes, and glaciers.

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What is the tested variable in an experiment?

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The tested variable is the factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the outcome.

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What is a model in science?

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A model is a simplified representation of a system or concept that helps scientists understand and predict how things work.