Create a water cycle in a sandwich bag. Fill one-third of the bag with water and seal the bag. Tape the bag to a window that has exposure to the sun. Have the students draw a picture of what they see. Have them check the bag every two hours and draw what they see in and on the bag. Ask the students to check it first thing the next morning. In one day's time, the students will observe the entire water cycle.
Use a glass jar to demonstrate the water cycle. Cover the bottom of the jar with a half inch of water. Set the jar in a sunny spot. Place the metal lid of the jar upside down over the mouth of the jar and position three ice cubes on the lid. Observe the jar for ten minutes and watch the water cycle as it progresses. Have the students record what they see happening.
Show students how the water cycle works to support plant life. Lay a glass gallon jar on its side. Place potting soil inside the jar. Add small foliage, such as Parlor Palm or Bird's Nest Fern. Add a small amount of water to the terrarium and seal the jar with the lid. Place the jar in a small stand to steady it and set it in the sunlight. The water cycle will constantly water the plants.
Have students perform a simple experiment that easily demonstrates the water cycle. Place a metal bowl in the sunlight. Fill the bowl one-fourth of the way with water. Place an empty ceramic cup in the center of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and secure the plastic wrap in place with a large rubber band. Watch the bowl as water droplets form on the plastic wrap, reach saturation point and fall as "rain" into the ceramic cup.