Charting Evaporation
This is a simple experiment that can be done two different ways; the first by allowing evaporation by the sun or the second by boiling water to cause evaporation. Both can be done with preschoolers but it should be done carefully if you are doing the latter.
Vocabulary
• Water cycle
• Precipitation
• Vapor
• Steam
• Condensation
• Evaporation
• Water
• Collection
• Hydrologic Cycle
• Gas
• Liquid
• Droplets
Materials:
• A medium sized container (clear if possible)
• water
• A ruler
• Pen
Procedure:
1. Fill up a container with water and mark on the outside of the container where the water level is.
2. Place it in the sun (uncovered).
3. Check on it each day and mark where the new water level is.
4. Discuss why the water is going down.
Questions to ask:
What do you think will happen to the water?
Why did the water go down?
Do you think the sun did something to it?
Where do you think the water went?
How long do you think it will take the water to disappear completely?
Extension:
As I mentioned earlier, you can make this a fast experiment by boiling the water in a pot. This makes the experiment less hands on for the children but can speed it up significantly for more instant results. First take the water and mark on the clear container where it is. Then pour it into a pot and boil for 5 minutes without a lid. Allow it to cool slightly (or completely if you have time) and pour it back into the container. Mark where the new water level is and repeat.