SUMMARY

Ever wonder where the water you're drinking came from?  Where were those water molecules last?  With the roll of the dice, you can simulate the journey water molecules may take as they travel within the water cycle. This game, developed by NOAA, teaches a more realistic version of the complex water cycle, and, how the water cycle influences the transport of pollutants.

Water is constantly in motion. Sometimes quickly, like in a fast-flowing river, but sometimes it moves quite slowly, as in underground aquifers. Appreciating the complexity of how water moves around, on a watershed scale, helps us understand how either dissolved contaminants, or those attached to particles, are transported throughout a watershed.

Through role-playing as a molecule of water in this game, you can gain a better understanding for the true complexity of the movement of water.  Stations are set-up for each of nine different compartments of the water cycle. On each turn, a roll of the dice at each station tells you where to move next.  Colored trackers record each person's unique journey through the water cycle to compare to others' journeys later on.  You will identify the states of water, and when water changes states as it moves through its cycle.  You will also learn where pollutants can enter the water cycle, be transported around, or be left behind.

GOALS

• Be able to identify the states of water, and when water changes states as it moves through its cycle;
• Learn where pollutants can enter the water cycle, be transported around, or be left behind.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

Water Cycle Game: Instructions (pdf)

Water Cycle Game: Game Cubes (zip)

Water Cycle Game: Station Labels (zip)