Chapter 9 Lesson 3, "Clouds"

Materials:

• Worksheet 36 , Clouds
• Optional investigation, "Comparing Evaporation Times"

Objective:

• Students will explain how clouds form.
• Students will identify three kinds of clouds.

Anticipatory Set:* Teacher will take a boiling hot cup of water and bring it near the camera lens. Students will explain what is happening in the camera lens. Where else do you see the same thing happen. (Wait until someone figures out that it happens in the atmosphere)

Teacher Input:* Students will write the objectives down as questions. Students will then answer the questions during the lesson. The first thing we have to figure out is where the moister in clouds comes from. Go through Evaporation. Next what happens, Transportation, as the air is heated by the sun it rises. As it rises what happens to the moist air.then condensation. condensation 2. Explain that water moleclues will not condense without a condensation nuclei. This is the same thing that happens to the warm moist air in you lungs. As your breath moves away from you, you no longer se it. Why?

So, this is how clouds form, Cloud formation 1, 2, 3.

Depending on how and where clouds form they can be very different. Here are some different types of clouds. See if the students can name the type and where they form.

stratus clouds 1, 2, 3

• near the ground less than 2,000 meters
• form in layers
• block much of the sun
• cause fog if very near the ground

fog 1, 2, 3

Cumulus cloud 1, 2, 3

• 2,000 - 7,000 meters high,
• look like cotton balls
• Usually see them on three four or five sides.
• bottoms are flat and look gray.
• seen in fair weather.

Cumulo Nimbous 1,2, 3

• thuderstorm clouds where rain is present.

Cirrus cloud 1, 2, 3.

• Thin wispy clouds.
• 7,000-13,000 meters high.
• mad of ice crystals
• May mean rain or snow is on the way.

Guided Practice:* Students will complete the questions on Page 214 with the teacher.

Independent Practice:* Students will complete the worksheet, "Clouds". Students can work on the investigation, "Comparing Evaporation times" if they have time.

Check for Understanding:*

Students will complete the quiz on Clouds.

Duration:

30 minutes + 10-15 for Independent Practice (Could be longer if taken for homework).

Alaska Content Standards Addressed in this lesson:

• SCI A-1 Students will understand models describing the nature of molecules, atoms, and sub-atomic particles and the relation of the models to the structure and behavior of matter (Structure of Matter);
• SCI A-2 Students will understand the physical, chemical, and nuclear changes and interactions that result in observable changes in the properties of matter (Changes and Interactions of Matter);
• SCI A-4 Students will understand observable natural events such as tides, weather, seasons, and moon phases in terms of the structure and motion of the earth (Earth);

• SCI A-15 Students will use science to understand and describe the local environment (Local Knowledge); and: