Dawn Roberts

Nov. 17, 1997

Grade Level

: fifth grade

Concept

: There are different types of clouds. Varying
cloud types have distinguishing characteristics.

Objective

: Students will create a picture that shows four
different cloud types (Cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and cumulus).

Teacher Materials

:

Spacious Skies

, The Ultimate
Visual Dictionary, Laser disc from Windows on Science (Earth Science
Vol. 2), and an example of a "cloudscape"

Student Materials

: 1 piece of blue construction paper
per student

3-4 cotton balls per student

1 bottle of glue per 4 students

crayons

Teacher Background Information

: See attached pages

Management Strategies

: This lesson is intended to be an
introduction to cloud types and is appropriate for large group
(whole class) instruction. The complete lesson will take about
50 minutes. Cooperative group work is not required, but could
be implemented at the teacher’s discretion.

Procedure

:

1. Begin the lesson by discussing the weather at the time. Ask
   probing questions like, "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 book
   
   Spacious
   Skies
   
   and a series of pictures from the laser disc. Talk
   about what they are seeing by discussing the different characteristics
   of the clouds. Be sure to point out height (elevation), texture
   and color.
3. Introduce the four types of clouds with which the class will
   be working. These clouds are cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus.
   Write the four names on the chalkboard and ask the class to describe
   each type (where it would be found, what it looks like, its color).
   While working on each name, use the corresponding picture from
   the laser disc. When the class is done listing characteristics,
   ask them to place the four different types of clouds in the appropriate
   spot on the cloudscape that you’ve created.
4. Explain to the students that they will be responsible for
   making a "cloudscape". They will be using construction
   paper, cotton balls, glue and crayons to create a scene that incorporates
   all four of the cloud types discussed. Their cloudscape
   
   must
   
   show the clouds in relation to ground level and the clouds should
   depict the attributes discussed by the class. Their scene should
   include buildings as well as the ground. They will have 15-20
   minutes to complete this activity.
5. Bring the class back together as a whole by having the children
   present their cloudscapes to the class. Make sure that they explain
   what each cloud is and its relation to the horizon.

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. For example, a stratus cloud could talk about hanging
around close to his friend the earth all day and watching the
people run from place to place. 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.
This could be continued throughout the week with the students
keeping a cloud journal. At the end of the week, compare their
journals with your own.

Extension/Integration

:

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

-show a video about hurricanes and tornados and discuss what types
of weather are expected from each cloud type

Source

: Laura Zinszer, Science Specialist for Columbia
Public Schools

Dawn Roberts