Question 1

What happens to rain when it falls?

Accepted Answer

When rain falls, it can soak into the ground, flow into rivers, or form puddles. Plants and animals can also use the rainwater.

Question 2

Why do rivers flow?

Accepted Answer

Rivers flow because gravity pulls the water downhill. They start in high places, like mountains, and flow to lower areas, like oceans or lakes.

Question 3

Where does rain come from?

Accepted Answer

Rain comes from clouds in the sky. Clouds are made of lots of tiny water droplets that come together until they get heavy and fall as rain.

Question 4

What is a watershed?

Accepted Answer

A watershed is an area of land where all the water goes to the same place, like into a river. It collects water from rain and melting snow.

Question 5

How are rivers and streams different?

Accepted Answer

Rivers are bigger and wider than streams. Streams are like smaller rivers and often flow into rivers.

Question 6

What animals live in or around rivers?

Accepted Answer

Animals like fish, frogs, ducks, and beavers live in or around rivers. These animals depend on the river for water and food.

Question 7

How do plants help rivers?

Accepted Answer

Plants help by holding the soil in place with their roots, which keeps the riverbanks from washing away. They also provide food and shelter for animals.

Question 8

What is the water cycle?

Accepted Answer

The water cycle is the journey water takes as it moves from the sky to the ground and back up again. It includes rain, rivers, evaporation, and clouds.

Question 9

Why is rain important for rivers and streams?

Accepted Answer

Rain is important because it fills up rivers and streams with water. Without rain, rivers could dry up and all the plants and animals that need them would have a hard time surviving.

Question 10

What happens to rivers during a drought?

Accepted Answer

During a drought, rivers can become very low or even dry up. Animals and plants that live in or near the river may have trouble finding water and food.

Question 11

Can humans use river water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, humans use river water for drinking, farming, and making electricity. It’s important to keep rivers clean so they can provide us with fresh water.

Question 12

How does water get from rivers to our homes?

Accepted Answer

Water is cleaned at special places called treatment plants, then it travels through pipes to reach our homes. This way, we have clean water to use.

Question 13

Why do rivers sometimes flood?

Accepted Answer

Rivers flood when there is too much rain or snow melting quickly. The extra water makes the river rise and overflow onto the land.

Question 14

What can people do to keep rivers clean?

Accepted Answer

People can help by not throwing trash or chemicals into rivers. Picking up litter and being careful with pollutants keeps the water clean for everyone.

Question 15

What is erosion and how does it affect rivers?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is when water wears away the land. It can change the shape of a river by moving soil and rocks downstream.

Question 16

Why are some rivers salty?

Accepted Answer

Most rivers aren't salty, but they can pick up salts from the rocks and soil as they flow. When rivers reach the ocean, the water becomes salty because the ocean contains lots of salt.

Question 17

How does water from rivers reach the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Water in rivers flows downhill until it reaches the ocean. Once there, it becomes part of the ocean's water.

Question 18

What is evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation happens when the sun warms up water, turning it into a vapor or gas. This vapor rises into the air to form clouds.

Question 19

Why is water important for all living things?

Accepted Answer

All living things need water to survive. Plants, animals, and people use water to stay healthy, grow, and produce food.

Question 20

What can happen if rivers become polluted?

Accepted Answer

If rivers get polluted, it can harm the plants and animals living there. People and animals who drink or use the water can get sick, so we need to protect our rivers from pollution.

The Journey of Water: From Rain to Rivers - 20 FAQs Explained Simply