Introductory Activity :

Duration: 50 minutes

Description: Students create "cloudscapes" to demonstrate their understanding of cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds.

Goals: To give students an understanding of four different types of clouds and the characteristics of each.

Introduction:
Begin by discussing the weather at the time. Ask probing questions such as, "What is the difference between the weather today and yesterday? What kind of effect do you think clouds have on weather? What makes one cloud different from another?"

Body :

Introduce the four types of clouds with which the class will be discussing. These clouds are cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus. Write the four names on the chalkboard. Divide students into pairs and have them access some web sites (provided below) which describe the four types of clouds (each student can choose one type of cloud to research). Students should take notes on any characteristics that they find, such as elevation, shape, color, etc. [If computers are not available, have students research by using science textbooks and/or trade books.]

Have the class come together and ask students to share what they found for each cloud type. Record the characteristics on the board. Explain to students that next they will be making a "cloudscape." They will use construction paper, cotton balls, glue, and crayons to create a scene that incorporates all four of the cloud types discussed. Their cloudscape must show the clouds in relation to ground level, and the clouds should depict the attributes discussed by the class. The scene should include buildings as well as the ground. They will have 15-20 minutes to complete this activity.

Conclusion Activity :

Bring the class back together as a whole by having the children present their cloudscapes to the class. Make sure that they explain what each cloud is and its relation to the horizon.

Evaluation Activity :

One way to assess this lesson is to incorporate a creative writing activity. Each student picks a cloud type and writes about a typical day from the cloud's perspective. For example, a stratus cloud could talk about hanging around close to his friend, the earth, all day and watching the people run from place to place. The teacher can look for the distinguishing characteristics of the cloud types discussed in class. Another way to assess this lesson is to go outside and have the students determine what types of clouds are present in the sky. This could be continued throughout the week, with each student keeping a cloud journal. At the end of the week the teacher's journal can be compared to students' journals.

Internet Resources Referenced in this Lesson :

PSC Meteorology Program Cloud Boutique
Cloud Types - common cloud classifications
Understanding clouds, fog