The Water Cycle for Kids : Options for homeschool science

USGS Water Science for Schools – A complete guide for studying everything about water including the water cycle. From the chemical make-up of water, to rivers and streams, experiments, water supplies, and water usage, this site contains virtually everything your child will want to know about the water cycle and water supply on Earth.

BBC’s Rivers and Coasts – The water cycle, how rivers and coasts change, and the affect of rivers and coasts on the lives of people. There are printable worksheets and some animated graphics, but the site is primarily linear learning using a “next” feature to page through the informational content. This site is well-suited for elementary or middle school aged children to learn about the water cycle.

Environmental Protection Agency’s Ecosystems – site for kids to explore acid rain, watersheds, preservation, and protection of our natural resources. Additionally, there are links to other interactive sites for exploring ecosystems. While this site isn’t specifically about the water cycle, the information is primarily regarding the importance of clean water for man, animals, plants and the preservation of our world. Also check out the EPA’s water cycle animation.

Hydropower – Electricity from Moving Water – A website about energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable. Hydroelectric power is explained with graphics that help children see concepts. The explanations are thorough and reluctant readers will benefit by having the content read to them. This site will help your child why water and the water cycle is important for people in additional ways.

Tsunami Animations – Students interested in water phenomenon may also be interested in tsunamis or tidal waves. PBS’s Savage Earth animation contains text explaining how a shift in the earth’s plates can cause a tsunami. The Office of Naval Research’s Ocean in Motion animation explains how earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes can all cause large waves. The site provides in depth information about oceans and waves.