Grade 5 Science TEKS 5.10A:Sun and Ocean in Water Cycle

Learning Target: I can explain the role and importance of the sun and ocean in the water cycle and how they impact weather around the globe.

Focuses On:

• The water cycle
• Global weather patterns

Builds On:

4.10A:

describe and illustrate the continuous movement of water above and on the surface of Earth through the water cycle and explain the role of the Sun as a major source of energy in this process

Next Level:

7.11B:

describe human dependence and influence on ocean systems and explain how human activities impact these systems

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support student understanding of the critical roles the Sun and oceans play in the water cycle and their resulting effects on weather patterns.

The lesson begins with a review of the water cycle, placing a stronger emphasis on the functions of the Sun and oceans within the system and providing students with a deeper understanding of cloud formation processes. It then expands to examine global weather patterns near the poles and equator, as well as the differences between oceanic and continental climates, all in relation to the influence of the Sun and oceans.

This lesson builds upon students' foundational knowledge of the water cycle from standard 4.10A and prepares them for more advanced study of ocean systems in standard 7.11B.