Earth's Systems: Water and Weather — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The water cycle makes new water each time it rains.
Corrected: The water cycle moves existing water; no new water is created.
Earth has a fixed amount of water that constantly cycles between forms and locations.
2. Fix the sentence:
Evaporation happens when water vapor turns back into a liquid.
Corrected: Evaporation happens when liquid water turns into water vapor.
Heat energy from the Sun changes liquid water into vapor that rises into the air.
3. Fix the sentence:
Weather describes the long-term patterns of a region over many years.
Corrected: Climate describes the long-term patterns of a region over many years.
Weather is short-term conditions, while climate is the average pattern over thirty years or more.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. When the Sun heats puddles, the water turns into vapor in a process called evaporation.
Solar energy gives water molecules enough energy to escape into the air as vapor.
2. Water vapor cools high in the sky and forms tiny droplets through condensation.
Cooler air cannot hold as much vapor, so droplets cluster on dust to form clouds.
3. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all forms of precipitation.
Once droplets or ice crystals grow heavy enough, gravity pulls them to the ground.
4. Today's temperature, wind, and rainfall describe the weather of a place.
Weather refers to the day-to-day state of the atmosphere, while climate is its long-term pattern.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. List the four main stages of the water cycle in order.
Sample answer: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection (or runoff) are the four main stages of the water cycle.
These four stages keep Earth's water moving between the surface and the atmosphere continuously.
2. Explain one difference between weather and climate.
Sample answer: Weather is the short-term state of the atmosphere, while climate is the long-term average of weather over many years.
Distinguishing these terms helps students understand daily forecasts versus long-term regional patterns.