Assignment Summary For this assignment, you will construct a scientific model of the water cycle to show how water is recycled through an ecosystem. Once you have drawn your model on a poster board, you will write one to two paragraphs explaining how water is transferred within and between organisms and the environment. Background Information Water is a very important compound. Organisms need water to carry out life-maintaining processes such as growth and development. Without water, living things will not survive. Water continually flows among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. This process, called the water cycle, allows water to be recycled as it moves through Earth’s spheres. Materials Assignment Instructions Step 1: For this project, you are expected to submit the following: 1. Your model of the water cycle 2. One to two typewritten paragraphs describing the water cycle Step 2: Prepare for the project. a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations of this project. Pay particular attention to the instructions you need to follow to create a model on your poster board. b) If anything is not clear to you, be sure to ask your teacher. Step 3: Gather materials for the model. a) Start with a blank poster board. Be sure to put your name on it. b) You may either draw the parts of the water cycle or print images to construct a model on your poster board. Gather any drawing tools that you will need, or print any images you want to use. Step 4: Create a model of the water cycle. a) Your model should include bodies of water such as lakes and oceans, organisms, air, and land. b) Draw arrows indicating how water moves within an ecosystem and between organisms and their environment. Be sure to include the Sun and gravity in your model. c) Include short phrases on your poster that summarize what occurs at each stage of the water cycle.  Large poster board  Markers, crayons, or colored pencils  Scissors  Glue or tape Student Guide (continued) Step 5: Write a paragraph describing the water cycle. a) Type one to two paragraphs describing the full water cycle. Be sure to use full sentences and proper grammar.