Weather - - Types of Clouds

Objectives:

Students will be able to identify the three basic types of clouds.

Students will compare cloud types and explain what type of weather is associated with each.

Background:

As water vapor rises from the oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes, it enters the cool layers of the atmosphere.  Here, water vapor begins to condense and from a variety of cloud shapes and types, depending on the atmospheric conditions.

Materials:

• Types of clouds article http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/weather/2.html

• Magazines

• Glue, scissors, construction paper

• Clouds worksheet

Procedure:

1.  Read Types of Clouds in partners

2.  Students label construction paper with the three basic types of clouds (cumulus, stratus, and cirrus).

3.  In partners, students will draw pictures

4.  Students will create the three types of clouds from cotton and they will then glue these under their picture.

Discussion:

Many kinds of clouds are seen during different kinds of weather.  Discuss with students the current weather and cloud cover.  also discuss the different functions of clouds (i.e. shade, precipitation, and heat retention.)

Assessment:

For homework, students will complete Clouds worksheet.

Extension:
Technology - Have students explore http://seaborg.nmu.edu/Clouds/CloudPix.html and identify the weather that would accompany each cloud photo.

Language Arts - Sequencing - Record the cloud cover, temperature, and precipitation each hour for one full Saturday.  Write a paragraph describing the changes in the cloud cover in relation to the temperature, time of day, and weather.