1. Which part of the activity simulated evaporation? Evaporation was simulated as the 'ocean' was heated by the lamp.
2. Which part simulated condensation? Condensation occurred as the water vapor from the ocean cooled on the lid of the shoe box near the petri dish of ice.
3. Which part simulated precipitation? The drops of water falling from the lid of the shoe box simulated precipitation.
4. What is the energy source and what does it represent? The energy source was the lamp, which represented the sun.
5. What elements of the water cycle are not represented? Transpiration, infiltration, sublimation, and percolation were not represented.
6. How could we demonstrate transpiration in this activity? We could demonstrate transpiration by adding live plants to the shoe box.
7. Would condensation occur in the box without the ice? Why or why not? Condensation might occur over the mountains but not as quickly. The ice provided a greater temperature difference, forcing the vapor to condense.
8. After observing this activity, explain why water is considered a renewable resource. Water is continually recycled through the various parts of the water cycle.
9. The system you observed/constructed is a model of the way the actual water cycle works. Why might scientists use a model like this in their research into the water cycle in the real world? Can you think of any reason that using such models might be a problem?
