Cloud

You know that a meteorologist is an important scientist. He tells us what the day's weather will probably be.

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

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

• Will we be able to have fun on the playground today?
• 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 the 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 some predictions.

First, you will need to build some background knowledge about this topic.

• Take a moment to watch the Brain Pop video on how clouds are made.

Cloud

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!

1. Read The Cloud Book by Tomie de Paola and at least one other book from the print resources on the Student Resource Page.
2. View the different videos of clouds in thunderstorms below.
   • Video 1
   • Video 2
   • Video 3
3. Use a variety of Print and Internet Resources from the Student Resource Page to learn more about cloud types.
4. Complete this online activity, Label the Clouds.
5. Complete your Main Cloud Types Chart.
6. Be prepared to share information about each type of cloud by using what you have learned in class and your 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.
7. Use this Microsoft Publisher planning sheet to help you plan your VoiceThread activity.
   

Using information that you researched and your Main Cloud Types Chart, you will fill out your Microsoft Publisher planning sheet to prepare to record your VoiceThread.

Rainbow

"Jump-start" Your Thinking:

• What are clouds?
• Why are clouds important to precipitation?
• What are the three main types of clouds?

Gather information about your topic from the Student Research Page to find a list of print and Internet Resources.

Record your research using the Main Cloud Types Chart.

Analyze:
Complete the chart, Do you know your cloud types?, to show your knowledge of cloud types.

Synthesize:
Now that you have gathered your infomation about clouds, you are ready to record your VoiceThread!

Evaluate:
Use the Cloud Research Checklist to make sure that you are ready!

Cloud

Thunderstorm

Congratulations!

You are now an expert cloud watcher. Click here to get your certificate.

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

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

Extension Activities: