Introduction
The sky has more than just the Sun, Moon, and stars in it. Sometimes, when it's light outside, we see these floating, white objects scoot across the sky. These fluffy white things even create shadows when they pass in front of the Sun. They are called clouds. Today, we will take a nature walk and look at some different types of clouds, then return to class and make some clouds using cotton balls.
Task
The teacher will select a day to go on a nature walk where he/she can point out two distinct types of clouds: cumulus and cirrus. Cumulus clouds are large, cotton-like clouds that are thick, white, and easily seen during the day and during fair weather. Cirrus clouds are thin, whispy clouds that are easily identifiable on any mostly sunny day.
NOTE: Teaching terminology is NOT necessary at this age. Students should be focusing on the fact that there are different types of clouds, not what they are called.
Process
The teacher will organize a nature walk around the playground. The students will observe both cumulus and cirrus clouds. The teacher will point out features of each to the students (i.e., some clouds are thick and look like cotton candy, others look like whisps of hair).
When students return to the classroom, they will be instructed to sit at their chairs. Each child will be provided with:
- a piece of light blue construction paper
- six cotton balls
- liquid glue
The teacher will ask the students to pick some of the cotton balls to glue directly on the paper (to simulate cumulus clouds) and pull others apart to make whisps (like cirrus clouds).
Evaluation
The teacher will evaluate students while they work. Students who are able to replicate cloud shapes are more likely have a greater understanding of the different types of clouds. If a student appears to be struggling, the teacher might want to review what the class observed outside and encourage the student's classmates to share what they saw as well.
Conclusion
The teacher will ask the students to place their creations on a drying rack or other hard surface so they can dry and be sent home the next day. The teacher will ask students to return to the carpet for whole-group review. He/she may call on students to volunteer ideas regarding the clouds they observed on the nature walk (i.e., cotton-like clouds and whispy clouds) and the "clouds" they created during the activity.
Teacher Page
Missouri Early Learning Standard, Science, Earth and Space:
III.1.b. Explores properties of Earth and space; uses one or more senses to observe Earth and space.