These worksheets look at the cycle that water goes through across the Earth.

Water is essential for all life on this planet. Just fewer than three-quarters of the Earth is covered in water. We commonly think of water as being a liquid that we find in our rivers, streams, and oceans. Water is actually in many places at once. Right now those bodies of water are evaporating into a gas phase as a form of vapor. Plants are giving off lots of water as they undergo the process of photosynthesis and it is evaporating as well. That fluid is being cooled and slowly forming clouds. Once the clouds become heavily filled with water they give off liquid H2O in the form of rain, sleet, or snow. All living things require this compound in order to live. This persistent global progression changes the form that this compound takes on. It transfers between the gaseous and liquid phases through precipitation, condensation, transpiration, and evaporation. Freezing and melting allows the compound to transfer between the solid and liquid phases. Most of these processes occur within oceans and the shore that they come up upon. Extreme weather and wind can also help stir this up. This process also happens in fresh water sources such as lakes and rivers. In fact, evaporation is one of the most influential processes that controls the loss of fresh water on the planet. Only about one-third of our freshwater supply is found below the ground.

The worksheets include atmospheric currents and the movement of water through its various forms. We follow the H2O as the sun heats it and leaves the ground through the process of evaporation and at the same time plants are transpiring as a result of photosynthesis and giving off their own vapor. The H2O rises up and condenses into clouds. The clouds rise and get colder and then rain or snow (precipitation) forms and the water returns to the Earth.



Get Free Worksheets In Your Inbox!


Print Water Cycle Worksheets

Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.

Atmospheric Currents

Using the three terms and three descriptions in the table below, name and describe each of the atmospheric or air currents shown in the pictures.

Chart Out

The movement of water is the continuous circulation from the earth to the oceans, to the air, and back to the land. Indicate which part of the diagram depicts the three major methods by which H2O is transferred (condensation, evaporation, and precipitation) and then describe the entire process in your own words in the space provided.

Cycle Diagrams (Word Bank)

Label the steps of the complete cycle.

Diagraming the Cycle

Label the steps, in fact, label everything that you can use to explain more about the process.

Process Diagrams (Label)

You are asked to describe each part of the process in full detail.

Water Cycle Draw Me

Label each aspect of the movement of H2O.

Make a Picture

Create and illustration that put it all into perspective.

Water Venn Diagrams (Ocean vs. Fresh)

Compare those forms of water. What is the differences and similarities?

Venn Diagrams (Hard/Soft)

I know that one has minerals.

Mother Nature Venn Diagrams

Have you ever tried to compare a Tornado to a Hurricane?