Home | Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Extension | Teacher Notes |

Introduction 

Clouds are ever changing. Besides being the most obvious element in the sky they are beautiful to look at.  You can use your imagination to create pictures or just watch over a period of time to forecast weather conditions and patterns.. 

What are clouds? They are nothing more than water droplets condensed. The water droplets that make up clouds are much larger than the molecules that scatter blue light.  They scatter and reflect the visible colors of light that strike them, therefore creating the white we see. Come on and let's explore the variety of cloud types.

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Task

1. Working in groups of 3, read a variety of books on clouds.

2. With your group, research 3 different types of clouds.

3. Keep a journal of the kinds of clouds you observe for 5 days.

4. Compare and contrast the three major cloud types. Use the Venn Diagram to help you. Use the information you gathered

5. Create a cloudscape (drawing, painting, etc.) of all three cloud types.

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Process

1. After reading a variety of books on clouds your group needs to research the 3 cloud types. Write your information in a notebook. You will need to include as much information as you can; color, shape, size, etc.
2. Find samples of the cloud shapes from the following link:  Cloud Pictures then find the kind of cloud that most resembles the kind of day you see.  Print the Cloud Pictures sheet.  Cut and glue on the cloud sheet. Make sure you label each picture.
3. Compare and contrast the 3 main cloud shapes:  Cirrus, Cumulus, and Stratus.  Record your findings on the VENN DIAGRAM.
4. Draw/paint a cloudscape of all three cloud type on a posterboard.

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Resources

Books: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

            It Looked Like Spilled Milk

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htm

http://seaborg.nmu.edu/Clouds/default.html

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Evaluation

Use the rubric to evaluate a completed 5-day journal observation

Graph Rubric

view_rubric.php3-id=850797

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Conclusion

I hope you have learned a lot about the 3 different cloud types.  Now you'll be able to WOW your friends and family with all the knowledge you gained. I hope you had fun!

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Extension

Now you can find out more information about other cloud types and the kinds of weather they produce.

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Teacher Notes

Group Evaluation-Teacher Copy

Group Evaluation-Student Copy

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