Clouds
Objectives:
- Explain what clouds are made of.
- Define condensation.
- Describe the four main ways clouds are formed.
- Identify and name the main types of clouds.
- Create an informational flyer in Pages.
Introduction to Clouds:
- First, watch the following time-lapse video and be inspired by the beautiful nature of clouds.
Clouds are groups of tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the sky.
- Clouds form in all sizes and shapes, and can form near the ground or high in the atmosphere.
- Clouds are associated with different kinds of precipitation.
- Watch this BrainPOP movie about clouds.
What Is A Cloud Made Of?
- Complete this Condensation Lab to gain a better understanding of condensation.
- A cloud forms because of the process of condensation.
- This happens when the invisible water vapor (gas phase) cools and becomes visible water droplets or ice crystals (liquid or solid phase).
- To form these droplets/crystals, the water vapor needs a surface to liquefy (condense) onto.
- Tiny particles that are suspended in the air (such as dust, pollution, ash from volcanoes or even salt particles from the sea) provide this surface. They are called cloud condensation nuclei (CCN).
- When these clusters of droplets/crystals group together, a cloud is formed.
- Watch the following video and then complete this Cloud in a Bottle Lab to make a cloud in a bottle.
- Learn How to make clouds in a bottle. For more Science How-To Videos & Articles, visit WonderHowTo.
When Will Clouds Form?
We now know that clouds form as a result of condensation: the process of water vapor in the air turning to liquid water droplets as a result of cooling. This happens on a cold winter day when your breath makes a cloud in the air. As the warm, moist air leaves your mouth, it cools, and forms visible droplets. The same process occurs when water is boiling on a stove. The warm air rises above the boiling water, cools, and makes a water droplet cloud of steam. |
Here are four ways air can cool to form clouds.
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Become a Cloud Expert:
Cloud types are classified by height and appearance. Clouds names use Latin words to describe their appearance. cumulus=heap stratus=layer cirrus=curl of hair nimbus=rain Follow these steps to learn more about different types of clouds and become a cloud expert:
Finally, test your knowledge: |