small dishes or jar lids (2 per group)
tablespoons (1 per group)
water
light source (sun or lamp/light) (1 per group)
plastic wrap and or lids to cover dishes
a. Prior to the activity
Where does the water go after it forms puddles on the pavement?
Where does the water go from the clothes you put in the dryer?
Ask students to predict what will happen to the water if it is left out overnight in an uncovered dish.
Ask students what will happen if the dishes were covered.
b. After the activity
Have students, on a sheet of paper answer these questions with a partner.
Which dish evaporated faster?
Where did the water go?
How did the water evaporate?
Explain to the students that the process of water "going" into the air is called evaporation. Have students discuss with their partner what happens to water after it evaporates. Write some other examples of evaporation.
Divide the class into pairs. Have each pair of students get two dishes. Put one tablespoon of water in each dish. Place one dish in the sunlight, or if the sun isn't shining, place the dish under a light source. Let students decide if they want to cover their dishes or leave them uncovered. Place the other dish in the shade. Have each pair of students observe and record what happens to the water.