- Grade Focus
- Pre-Grade 1, Grade 1, Grade 2
- Age Level
- Under 6, 6, 7
- Subject
- Art, Science
- Technology Integration Activity
- Discovering the Internet, Imaging, PowerPoint Presentations
Cloud Identification
Cloud Identification
Introduction
During this lesson, students will study basic cloud types. They will apply that knowledge by painting a picture of a cloud and identifying what type of cloud it resembles.Prerequisite Experience
Students should be familiar with identifying basic cloud cover (sunny, partly sunny, partly cloudy, and cloudy).Students will need to be familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, and how to use search engines safely. Teachers will want to become familiar with some kid friendly search engines. It will be useful to look at the PowerPoint training videos found at Nortel LearniT (www.NortelLearniT.org). Students should be directed to these videos prior to starting their assignment.
Teacher Prep Time
The teacher should be familiar with the three basic cloud types- cumulus, stratus, and cirrus. Visit the following web sites for information about and photos of different types of clouds:
•http://www.wxdude.com/page9.html
•http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/school/dondero/msm/weather/index.html This link is best for using directly with primary grade students.
•http://www.carlwozniak.com/clouds/types.html
Review these training videos from Nortel LearniT
•Discovering the Internet, http://nortellearnit.org/teachnology/Discovering_the_Internet/
•PowerPoint Presentations, http://nortellearnit.org/technology/PowerPoint_Presentations/
•Imaging, http://nortellearnit.org/teachnology/Imaging/
MATERIALS:
Clipboards
Blank paper
Pencils or Crayons
The Cloud Book, by Tomie dePaola
It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles G. Shaw
Blue Construction Paper- 1 piece per child
Straws- 1 per child
White Paint (thin paint with water if it is thick)
Projector
Computers with Internet access
Project
Students will identify basic cloud types by observing clouds in their natural setting and by listening to the Cloud Book, by Tomie dePaola and It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw. They will then paint their own cloud and share it with the class.Assessment/Grading
There will be many opportunities for assessment. Each student group will be evaluated on research, planning, content, and their use of technology during their presentation.Time Management Tips
Students will work in groups to help with research and presentation.Lesson Plan Details
Engage
1. Go outside with your class and look at clouds. Bring a clipboard, paper, and pencil. Draw some of the clouds that you see in the sky. Try to make your drawings look as much like the clouds as possible.2. Now, go back into the classroom. Share with your classmates your drawings. Describe your drawing to your class. Are the clouds big and fluffy? Or are they wispy? Can you identify the types of clouds you saw today? Do you know what the three basic cloud types are? How can you identify them?
3. Listen to your teacher read The Cloud Book, by Tomie dePaola. Listen for cumulus, stratus, and cirrus clouds. Practice identifying clouds using the cloud pictures.
Explore
1. Listen to your teacher read It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw. Have you ever looked up in the sky to see a cloud that looks like something else? Maybe the cloud looked like a teddy bear, or a lion, or a tree. This story is about all the different shapes a cloud can be. After you read It Looked Like Spilt Milk, you will get to make your own cloud.
2. Your teacher will pass out construction paper and straws. Write your name on the back of your construction paper. Your teacher will go around and squirt white paint on your paper. Now, blow through your straws to spread out the paint on your papers. You will have to figure out if your cloud looks more like a cirrus, cumulus, or stratus cloud. Do you see other shapes in the clouds?
3. Once the pictures have completely dried, share your pictures with the class. Discuss the differences between the pictures.
Explain
1. Using a projector, play the Cloud Game located at: http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/school/dondero/msm/weather/game.html
2. Next, take out a sheet of notebook paper and see how many clouds you can identify correctly.
Elaborate
1. You will work in groups of 2-3 students to begin your detailed research on clouds. Before you begin your research, you might want to review the following web sites for helpful hints.http://www.nortellearnit.org/technology/Discovering_the_Internet/
2. You will create a slideshow that depicts a type of cloud. You may choose between the 3 you have learned about during this lesson.
If you are unfamiliar with how to use presentation software like PowerPoint, review the PowerPoint training videos from Nortel LearniT at:
http://www.nortellearnit.org/technology/PowerPoint_Presentations/
In addition to gathering information, you will also be responsible for finding or creating images to help visualize this information.
Tip: When you decide what images (pictures), sounds or text that you want to use in your PowerPoint slide, be sure to check for a copyright notice. Some web sites want you to use their materials for educational projects while other don't. A good practice for you should be to look for an email on the web page you want to use materials from and use it to send a request for permission to use it in your class PowerPoint project.
It is also important that you completely identify materials that you use - in your PowerPoint presentation. This is called "making a citation" of someone else's work. The format that is typically used is as follows:
Last Name, First Name of Author (if known). "Title of work/article/page." Title of Complete Document (if applicable). Date last modified. URL (date visited).
3. Work as a team to decide what information should be used and the best way to present this information. Consider the interests of your audience as you make choices.
Use the PowerPoint Storyboard, provided in the WORD and PDF versions of this lesson, to organize your slides.
Evaluate
An evaluation rubric has been provided to use for assessment.Extend
Consider these suggestions for extending the activity.1. Keep a graph of how many days there are cumulus, stratus, cirrus or no clouds as part of a morning routine.
2. Research how clouds are formed and share with the class your findings.
3. Using the Internet and a weather web site, look at the predictions for cloud cover and check to see if the prediction was correct.
Related Resources
Web sites with information on cloud types and cloud formation:
•http://www.wxdude.com/page9.html
•http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/school/dondero/msm/weather/index.html
•http://www.carlwozniak.com/clouds/types.html