Contaminants and the Water Cycle

Grades 6-12. In this modeling activity, students follow a molecule of water as it travels through the water cycle. The activity can be used to model both the basic water cycle and the water cycle with biological and chemical contaminants that are picked up along the way. Students start at some point where water exists on Earth, such as in a river or as a raindrop. They then roll dice and consult Water Cycle Cards to determine where their water molecule will go next. After making at least six rolls of the dice, each student writes a story that demonstrates an understanding of their water molecule’s travels within the water cycle (and describes the types and sources of contaminants picked up along the way).