Clouds

Atmosphere: The gaseous portion of a planet. Meteorologist: are scientists who study the atmosphere. They examine its effects on the environment, predict the weather, or investigate climate trends. Thermometer: An instrument for measuring temperature of the air. Barometer: an instrument that is used to measure air pressure and predict changes in the weather. Vocabulary

Activity One: Brainstorming Brainstorm together to answer the following questions: What are clouds? Where do they come from? Why don’t they look the same? Why are there sometimes clouds in the sky that don’t rain or snow?

What are clouds? Clouds form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere. Scientists have found that liquid water in the air and cold temperatures are not enough to form clouds. Microscopic particles of dust, pollen, or salts, called condensation nuclei, are also necessary because they provide a surface for the water molecules to collect on. As the water molecules become larger, they get heavier and gravity causes them to fall to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain, snow, or ice. This whole process of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and accumulation of water on the Earth is commonly referred to as the water cycle.

Cloud types Cumulus : These clouds often have flat bottoms and rounded tops and are cotton like in appearance. These clouds are fair weather clouds.

Stratus : Low layered or sheets of clouds, no distinct individual clouds. These may produce precipitation.

Cirrus: Clouds are high, white, and thin. Can be in patches, wisplike strands of have a feathery appearance.

Youtube video on cloud types: Rob Nelson Films

Weather tracking sheet : We will be keeping track of the weather and cloud formations for 3 weeks. Date and time Cloud Type AM Weather Predicted PM Weather Weather/ time

Cloud art project: Materials: Cloud chart of pictures of the three types of clouds One-fourth sheet blue construction paper (6”x9”) White crayon Cloud guide Pictures of clouds from magazines, the library, Internet, or digital camera Blue construction paper - 12”x18” Glue Cotton balls Markers to color the underside of the stratus clouds Glitter for rain and lightning Instructions: Give students the prescribed blue construction paper, some cotton balls, and glue. Have black markers available for them to color the underside of the stratus clouds and glitter for rain.Divide the construction paper up into three parts as a tri-fold (see next page).Name the cloud in each tri- fold.Make each of the clouds with cotton balls, glue, markers, and glitter. Glitter is used for rain and lightning in cumulus clouds.In the center of each tri-fold, have the students write each cloud description and what type of weather that is associated with each cloud.Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy; precede storms Cumulus clouds are white and puffy; shows fair weather Stratus clouds are low, flat, gray; often bring rain At the bottom of each tri-fold have the students write poems about each type of cloud. The poems should contain one or two facts about each cloud. The poems can be written in any form you wish. Give students enough time to work, or allow them to finish later.Have students read their poems to the class or display them on a bulletin board.

Works Cited Lutgens, Frederick K., and Edward J. Tarbuck. The Atmosphere An Introduction to Meteorology. 12th ed. N.p.: Pearson College Div, Print.