Scenario

You also know how important clouds are to the weather.  They drop rain or snow, or they let the sun shine through. 

Click on the cloud to see a BrainPop movie on how clouds are made.

Meteorologists use cloud observations to help them to predict the weather.

Will we be able to have fun on the playground today?

Or will it rain on our fun?

You are going to learn how to use cloud formations to predict what the weather will be right here at our school. Use this KWL chart with your teacher to discuss what you already know about clouds and what you want to learn about them.

After you do some research and observe some clouds you will be ready to make predictions.

The big question:                     

  How can clouds help us to predict the weather?

The little questions:

• What are clouds?

• Why are clouds important to precipitation?

• What are the three main types of clouds?

 Tasks and

 Products

You will share your information by participating in a VoiceThread activity as directed by your teacher. Click on the steps below to help you get ready!

• Read The Cloud Book by Tomie de Paola and at least one other book from the Print Resources.
• Play the PowerPoint game, "Name That Cloud".
• Click on the cameras to see  videos of clouds in thunderstorms.

• Use a variety of Print and Internet Resources to learn more about cloud types.
• Complete this online Label the Clouds activity.
• Complete your Main Cloud Types chart.
• Be prepared to share information about each type of cloud you've learned about in class and through your own research. You may want to refer to your "Main Cloud Types" notetaking chart for help, which you will be filling in as you learn about the three types of clouds.
• Use this MS Publisher planning sheet to help you plan your VoiceThread activity.

Assessments

Do you know your cloud types? Complete this chart to show your knowledge of cloud types.

Are you ready to record your VoiceThread? Use this Cloud Research Checklist to make sure that you are ready!

 Gather and 
Sort

Click on the cloud to find a list of print and Internet resources.

Reflection

 and

 Extension

You are now an expert cloud watcher.  Click on the fireworks to get your certificate.

Reflection: Think about your learning about clouds as you try some of these activities.

Click on a cloud below for some fun and games with clouds!

Extension:

Easy Extension Activities

• Record observations on the Cloud and Precipitation Observations worksheet.
• Use your imagination with Cloud Shapes! A fun way to use your imagination is to look at a cloud and try to figure out a person, animal, or thing that it looks like.

  Warm up your cloud imagination at the following links:

  • Warm Up #1: Cloud Shapes
  • Cool Clouds for Kids of All Ages
  • 10 Amazing Cloud Shapes

Challenging

• Make a cloud model.  Click on the camera for a video demonstration.

• Did you know that scientists believe that the weather can be affected by something as small as the flapping of one butterfly's wings? If a butterfly can change the weather halfway around the world, many other things can change the weather too.

  Questions to:

  • think about
  • talk about
  • write about

1.   How can the amount of water in the air (humidity) affect your prediction?

2.  How many ways can the wind spoil your prediction?

3.  How many ways can a change in temperature change your prediction?