Concept:

There are different types of clouds. Each cloud
type has distinguishing characteristics.

Objective:

Students will create a multimedia project using
Microsoft PowerPoint that shows four different cloud types
(Cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and cumulus).

Student Materials:

computer equipped with Microsoft Power Point

Management Strategies:

This lesson is intended to be an introduction to cloud types and is appropriate for whole
class instruction. The complete lesson will take about 2 weeks. Cooperative group work is required. Students will
work in groups to create an electronic presentation.

Procedure:

1. Begin the lesson by discussing the weather at the time.
Ask probing questions like, “What is the weather like
today?”, “What is the difference between the weather today
and the weather yesterday?”, “What kind of an effect do you
think clouds have on weather?” or “What makes one cloud
different from another?”

2. Show the students selected pictures from the books and a
series of pictures from the Internet. Talk about what they are
seeing by discussing the different characteristics of the
clouds.

3. Introduce the four types of clouds with which the class
will be working. These clouds are cirrus, stratus, cumulus,
and cumulonimbus.

4. Explain to the students that they will be responsible for
making an electronic presentation. They will be using
Microsoft Power Point.

5. Have the students research on the Internet for more
information on clouds and cloud pictures.

6. Bring the class back together as a whole by having the
children present their electronic presentations to the class.

Assessment/Evaluation: One way to assess this lesson would
be to use a creative writing experience. Each student should
pick a cloud type and write about a typical day from the
cloud’s perspective. The teacher would be looking for the
distinguishing characteristics of the cloud types discussed in
class. Another way to assess this lesson would be to go
outside and have the students decide what clouds they see in
the sky.

Extension/Integration:

Have a cloud learning center set up in the classroom where
students can learn about the other types of clouds

Other Resources:

Little Cloud by Allan Fowler

Clouds by Gail Saunders-Smith

Clouds by Ann and Jim Merk

A Cloudy Day by Robin Nelson

E-Mail

Danielle Santucci

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