When children understand the lesson about how the water cycle works and when it collects, they can work on coloring sheets relating to the collection of water. Collection is where the water gathers after it rains. Children can color pictures of the ocean, rivers, lakes or even bowls of water set outside to catch the rain. The pictures display locations where water collects in the water cycle.
Teachers or parents can introduce the water cycle by reading a story. From the story, children will understand that collection is the end and the start of the water cycle as the water forms in one area and then starts the process all over again through evaporation. The parents or teacher can then ask questions about collection, such as "where does water collect" and "how does the water get to the ocean/river/lake." Asking questions will cause the children to think about the water cycle and link its four set of processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection.
On a rainy day, tell the child that they are going to create their own collection of water from the water cycle. Give the children several containers for water collection, such as a large bowl, cup or bucket. Have the children go outside and put their containers where the rain is falling and not underneath anything, such as trees or the roof. Take the kids back inside and wait for the rain to stop then take them outside again and show them how the bowl, cup or bucket became a collection of water.
A water cycle in a bowl is an excellent way to help children understand the cycle. Start with a large, clear bowl and a smaller container, such as an old butter tub or plastic bowl. Put a stone in the plastic bowl or butter container to weigh it down. Fill the bowl around the butter container with water. Stretch plastic wrap over the bowl to seal it and pull it tight. Put a rubber band around the top of the bowl and plastic wrap to hold it in place. Place a second rock on top of the plastic wrap over the container. Put the bowl in the sun and check on it each day for a few days. Children can draw pictures to show what is happening each day. After a few days, the collection bowl should have water in it through condensation.