Grades 3–5 · Science · Free sample
Where Did the Water Go? A Mini Evaporation Experiment
About 30 minutes
A simple at-home experiment that turns your child into a scientist: predicting, observing and recording how water evaporates.
Your child will
- Make and test a prediction
- Record observations over several days
- Explain evaporation in their own words
You'll need
- Two identical clear cups
- Water and a marker
- A sunny windowsill and a shady spot
- A notebook for a simple data table
Step by step
- 1
Set up
Fill both cups to the same level and mark the water line with the marker. Put one in the sun and one in the shade.
- 2
Predict
Ask: "Which cup will lose water faster? Why?" Have your child write their prediction and reason.
- 3
Make a table
Draw a table with columns for Day, Sunny cup, Shady cup. Measure or mark the level each day for 3–5 days.
- 4
Notice
Talk about what changed. Where did the water go? Introduce the word evaporation: water turning into an invisible gas (water vapor).
- 5
Conclude
Was the prediction right? Write two sentences: what happened and why the sun made a difference.
Keep going
Try a third cup with a lid on it. What happens to evaporation when the vapor can't escape? Look for droplets on the lid.
Want lessons like this every week?
Academy members get lessons hand-matched to their child's needs, interests and state requirements.
Apply to the Academy