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Title: Under the Silver Lining (Cloud Types) Grade Level(s): 6-8 Introduction: The presence of clouds in the sky is one type of signal to meteorologists that weather changes are imminent. Predicting the weather requires the understanding of the different types of clouds. Clouds form when solar heating of the earth’s surface warms the air near the ground. This air begins to rise and it expands and cools. Water vapor then condenses on small dust particles suspended in the air and these combine to form clouds. Clouds are also formed when large masses of air collide. In both cases, the type of cloud created is determined by how fast the air rises. The following types of clouds may form: Stratus - from air that is forced up slowly Cumulus - from air that is forced up rapidly and therefore rises higher. Clouds are also grouped by familial characteristics. The lowest clouds are stratus clouds as they are flat and layered. Also stratus clouds are found in middle altitudes. Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals and are high and wispy. They can be divided into cirrostratus and cirrocumulus clouds. The former are made of a continuous layer of ice crystals, whereas, the latter is made of this puffs of the ice crystals. Cumulus clouds are thick, flat, and low regardless of how high the clouds themselves reach. Smaller, lumpy patches of clouds that form at higher altitudes are altocumulus clouds. Nimbus clouds are clouds that produce precipitation. Thus, a nimbostratus cloud is a stratus cloud with precipitation and a cumulonimbus cloud is a cumulus cloud with precipitation. Clouds, in many cases, foreshadow incoming weather and assist in forecasting. Learner Objectives:
Sunshine State Standards : Math: MA.E.1.3.1. Science: SC.A.1.3.5. Competency Based Curriculum: Math: M/J-1 - V-2-A, M/J-3 - VI-2-A, Science: M/J-1 - I-2-A Materials:
Activity Procedures:
Student Assessment/Home Learning Activity: Students should monitor weather conditions daily for one week. Data should be graphed or charted and illustrated. Students should make predictions based on cloud types and formations for each day. Record both predictions and the actual outcomes. Activity Extensions: Divide the class into cooperative groups and have the students create and produce a weather report. Home Learning Activity: Have students create a concept map including sketches of each type of cloud. Vocabulary: stratus, cumulus, altostratus, cirrus, cirrostratus, cirrocumulus, altocumulus, nimbus, precipitation, cumulonimbus, nimbostratus, altitude References/Related Links:
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