Kimberly Pridgen

Water Cycle Image Evaluation

November 6th, 2014

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Water-Cycle-Kindergarten-Chart-and-Activity409058
Strengths:
This image is a simple and attractive representation of the Earths water cycle. Each stage is
clearly labeled. Also, there is a small illustration to help students connect each stage to its function or
event. After reading our text, Understanding Primary Science, Ive concluded that the preciptation
stage is most accuratley portrayed in this image. I view this as a strength because this image displays a
cloud producing rain fall, and our book states that precipitation is the general name for water falling to
the ground from clouds in the atmosphere (page 135).

The depiction of evaporation is also correct, based on the knowledge I have gained from our
text. Since evaporation occurs when liquid water is exposed to air and it dries up or evaporates as a
result, this image is is correct. It displays droplets of water exiting a body of water and moving up
through the air.
Weaknesses:
I believe that one of the weaknesses of this image is that it creates a misconception of
condensation. According to our text, condesation occurs when humid air is cooled. However, this
image shows condensation occuring when heat or sunlight warms water within a cloud. I understand
that if accompanied with some discussion this misconception could be resolved. However, at face value
it could cause some confusion.
Another weakness that I spotted in this image is the way that it depicts accumulation or the
bodies of water on Earth (oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.). The body of water appears to be small, like
a puddle. Depending on the age group that was viewing this image, they might take away the belief that
this cycle only occurs with puddles or small bodies of water, rather than all bodies of water.

Sources:
Wenham, M., & Ovens, P. (1995). Understanding Primary Science (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE
Publications.