Date: December 17, 1998

Grade Level(s): Kindergarten, 1

Subject(s):

• Science/Physical Sciences

Duration: 1-2 weeks

Description: When water evaporates, it changes from a liquid to a gas. The children will witness this process by filling a number of containers with water, and measuring every day how much water "disappears."

Goals: Students will understand that evaporation causes the water to "disappear."

Objectives:

1. The children will learn a new word (evaporation).

2. The children will learn that water changes from a liquid to a gas.

3. The children will use measuring and charting skills.

Materials:

several transparent plastic containers such as a peanut butter jar, a soda bottle, or a carry-out salad container; a measuring cup; water; posterboard; markers; permanent marker; ruler

Procedure:

Make a record-keeping chart with a picture of each container on it. Have the children help measure the water and pour the same amount into each container. Mark the water line on each container with a permanent marker. Check the water line each day and measure with a ruler how far the water has gone down. Where does the water go? Talk about evaporation and explain to the children that the water changes from a liquid to a gas and elaborate.

Assessment:

Boil a kettle of water and have children see the water again change into a gas.