The water cycle describes how water vapor condenses to form precipitation, falls to the ground, and then evaporates, returning to the atmosphere. Prior to exploring the water cycle, have students share their existing knowledge by volunteering examples of water cycle processes in their local environment. Share the infographic and read the text in the center to help students connect their examples to the water cycle using scientific vocabulary. Have students create a graphic organizer to record and describe the main processes of the water cycle, including examples of each process.

Next, students can use the infographic to create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the movement of water in natural versus urban areas. Prompt students to include how runoff differs between the two cycles using the infographic. As a class, research strategies to reduce urban runoff, such as planting native vegetation, reducing pesticide use, and installing permeable pavement. Challenge students to identify areas on campus that would benefit from one of the strategies and then develop a proposal explaining why the strategy should be implemented in that area.

As an extension, students can track their interactions with water for a day and then connect each interaction back to the natural or urban water cycle. Students should realize they are part of, and influence, the water cycle. Finally, have students brainstorm ways they can personally conserve water and reduce pollution. Challenge students to implement these strategies for one week and report on their experience.