clouds - mrs. horne's science class · clouds video quizprovides a comprehensive look at this...

Teacher’s Guide

CloudsGrades 5-9

CLTV

CREDITS

Program Produc t ionSunburs t Vi sua l Media

Teacher ’s GuideRose Bu lau, M.Ed.Nat iona l Board Cer t i f i ca t ion

Pr in t Mater ia l Des ignDesk top Produc t ions

© 2004 Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLCHawthorne, NY 10532

Approximate running time: 32 minutes

Clouds Video Quiz

© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Clouds Video Quiz

Table of Contents

Guide Information ....................................05

Fast Facts..................................................07

Before Viewing Activities ..........................08

During Viewing Activities ..........................12

After Viewing Activities ............................16

After Viewing Quizzes ..............................25

Additional Resources ................................28

Answer Keys ............................................36

Script........................................................50

5© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Clouds Video Quiz

About This GuideProviding students with visual media is an excellent way to take them out of the classroom and into the real world. Our programs offer real-world footage, dynamic graphics,engaging dramatizations, and first-person testimonials that keep students interested and helpthem visualize difficult concepts. More importantly, they reinforce critical learning objectivesshaped by state and national educational standards. However, the learning doesn’t begin andend when the program does. You can make the learning experience even more effective byusing the materials provided in this Teacher’s Guide.

GuideInformation

This guide is divided into the following sections:

• Fast Facts are designed to give your students a quick overview of the information presented within the video.

• Before Viewing Activities help identify what students already know about the subject, what they are curious about, and what they hope to learn.

• During Viewing Activities may be used during viewing to enhance students’ understanding of the video.

• After Viewing Activities help students summarize and draw conclusionsfrom the information that was presented.

• After Viewing Quizzes test students’ retention of the information presented in the program and activity sheets.

• Additional Resources are designed to help you extend the information presented in the program into other areas of your curriculum.

• Answer Keys are provided for relevant activities or reproducible pages.

• Script content is provided in an unabridged version for future reference.

6Clouds Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

GuideInformationProgram Overview

Clouds Video Quiz provides a comprehensive look at this topic. Students explore the important role clouds have for our Earth, the main types of clouds and how to distinguish between them, and factors that are required for clouds to form. In addition,students will investigate the importance of clouds to weather forecasting and where specific clouds are located in the various layers of the atmosphere. The on-screen quiz summarizes information provided in the video.

Viewing ObjectivesBy viewing the video and engaging in the activities provided, students will be able to:

• Name and describe the layers of Earth’s atmosphere.

• Name and describe the basic cloud types.

• Use measurable terms to show how clouds change andhow clouds are classified.

• Use measurable terms to show how meteorologists useclouds to determine weather patterns.

• Describe the relationship between clouds and precipitation.

Correlation With the National Science Foundation:

Students should develop an understanding of structure and function in living systems.Students should develop an understanding of changes in Earth and sky.The sun, moon, stars, clouds, birds, and airplanes all have properties, locations, andmovements that can be observed and described.


• Clouds bring all kinds of different weatherconditions.

• Clouds are important to our Earth becausethey bring rain, relief from hot sun, and temperature changes.

• The four layers of the atmosphere are thetroposphere, the stratosphere, themesosphere, and the thermosphere.

• Clouds form and become active in the troposphere, from the ground to 7 miles upward.

• Small amounts of water vapor are foundin the stratosphere, which extends from 7miles to 30 miles upward.

• The mesosphere is very cold, about 90degrees below Fahrenheit.

• The thermosphere is about 50 milesupward and is extremely hot, withtemperatures ranging from 930 to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (due to the sun's radiation).

• The two factors that affect the formation ofclouds are moisture and temperature.

• The three basic cloud types are cirrus, cumulus, and stratus.

• Cirrus clouds are curly or stringy andoccur very high in altitude. They areprimarily made up of ice crystals and theirlocation indicates a distant storm whosecold winds have created them.

• Cumulus clouds occur at a low level and are lumpy and clumped together.

• Stratus clouds occur at a low level and are a thinly spread layer that occurs just after a fog has lifted.

• Cirrus clouds sometimes break into small,fluffy pieces, called cirrocumulus, whichoccur 3 miles above the ground andindicate an approaching front.

• Altostratus clouds are stratus clouds that have thinned out slightly and risen toan elevation of up to 3 miles. Theirpresence indicates rain or snow for a long duration of time.

• Stratocumulus clouds are formed whenstratus clouds become fluffy and heavyand stay at a low elevation. These cloudsindicate a cold front is moving in.

• Fog is a low-forming stratus cloud that isvery close to the ground.

• Altocumulus clouds are formed whencumulus clouds break up into severalmedium-sized clouds and rise to anelevation between 1 and 3 miles.

• Cumulonimbus clouds are massive towersof cumulus clouds. They range in elevation from just a few feet off theground to 7 miles high. They bring rain.

• Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher,thought that water, air, fire, and earth werethe four basic components of weather.Actually, it is only water and air.

• Meteorologists are weather forecasterswho read the sky using cloud informationand computer-aided instruments.

• Precipitation occurs when a cloud releasesany form of water, whether it is rain, sleet, snow, or hail.

• All precipitation begins with a change in temperature.

• Clouds move with the wind currents.

• Clouds are heavy air masses of condensed water molecules.

• Cloud seeding is a way to fill clouds with chemicals that can help cause precipitation.

Fast FactsCloud Fast Facts

Clouds Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC8

Name Before ViewingActivity 1

Cloud AcrosticThe program you are about to see will provide you with information about clouds. Usethe letters from the word “cloud” to show what you already know. Next to each letterbelow, write a word or phrase that begins with the letter and tells something that youalready know about clouds.

CLOUD

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What Do You Think?The following questions are answered in the program. Before viewing the program, consider what you think about each question. Show your ideas for each question in words and in pictures.

What is a cloud? ________________________________

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What controls clouds?____________________________

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Why do clouds form? ____________________________

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What is fog?____________________________________

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Are there different kinds of clouds? ________________

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What's the Truth?Some of the statements below are true and some are false. Prior to watching the program,mark the appropriate box in the Before Viewing column. After viewing the program, mark the appropriate box in the After Viewing column.

Before Viewingtrue/false

After Viewingtrue/false

Where clouds form, there is moisture in the air.

The basic cloud types are cirrus and fluffy.

Cumulus and stratus clouds occur at low levels.

Aristotle was an early weather theorist.

The four components of weather are water, air, fire, and earth.

Meteorologists are weather forecasters.

The thermosphere is extremely warm.

Clouds form in the stratosphere.

Precipitation happens when a cloud releases any form of water.

Clouds are slow moving and almost weightless.

Clouds help us predict weather.

Humans can create rain.

All precipitation begins with a temperature change.



Cloud ConundrumThree factors work together to determine which type of cloud forms. Look each word up in a dictionary and copy a definition that matches. Then, write a sentence telling how you think each factor changes a cloud.

dictionary definition:______________________________________________________________

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temperature

moisture

elevation


Name During ViewingActivity 1

Cloud Concept MapListen to the information in the program for the three main types of clouds. Write the names of each one in the three boxes below on the left. Add a brief descriptionand an illustration. In the boxes on the right, list and draw the types of clouds that can be created from each of the main types of clouds. Add details as to how each cloud is created.

(Note to teacher: Program may have to be paused throughout this activity.)



Aspects of AristotleListen for details about the work of Aristotle. Fill in the missing words and numbers in the paragraph below, using what you hear and see in the program.

Aristotle was a ___________________ philosopher. He lived from ___________________

to ___________________ B.C. His famous work was called ___________________.

Aristotle stated that the four basic components of weather were ___________________,

___________________ , ___________________, and ___________________. He was only

correct about half of these. The two actual components of weather from his list are

___________________ and ___________________.

***Do you think that the other two components impact weather? Explain your answer.

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Cloud Seeding Flow MapIn the flow map below, list the steps that are taken when performing cloud seeding.



Cloud AppearancesIn the program, you will find out how a cloud's effect on sunlight can tell what is inside.Show, in words and in pictures, how this happens.

When a cloud contains: ____________________________

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The sun is: ________________________________________

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and the Earth appears:______________________________

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The sun is: ________________________________________

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Name After ViewingActivity 1

Summing UpRead the information below to review cloud formation. Use the graphic organizer at the bottom of the page to place the sequence of events for cloud formation in a correctly completed diagram.

HOW CLOUDS ARE FORMEDClouds are masses of water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air. When thedroplets or crystals become too heavy to remain suspended, they fall to the Earth. In orderfor clouds to form, three things are needed. First, the relative humidity must be close to 100percent. Second, tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present. (Water collects orcondenses around these particles.) Third, something must happen to cool the air. If all threeconditions exist, clouds form. The type of clouds that form depend on how cold the air isand how much water is in the air.

Cloud Formation+



Cloud ClozeUsing the words below, fill in the missing words in the following paragraph. Some words may be used more than once.

_________________________are very important to our Earth because they bring

_________________________, relief from the hot sun, and ______________________ changes.

To understand clouds, you must first understand the ___________________

of the Earth’s _________________________. Clouds form and become active in the

_________________________ that extends seven miles from the ground up. From seven

to thirty miles upward is the _________________________. A minuscule amount

of ________________________ vapor or dust is found here. The next layer is the

___________________________. Planes cannot reach this layer because it is too high. Finally,

the __________________________ is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.

____________________________ of varying shapes and size can be found within

the troposphere. There are three main cloud _____________________________.

______________________ clouds are curly or stringy and occur very high in altitude, about 3

miles off the ground. _________________________ clouds occur at low levels and are lumpy

and clumped together. ______________________ clouds are a thinly spread layer of clouds,

about one mile from the ground, that occur just after a fog has lifted. When a cirrus cloud

begins to gradually spread out, it is called ___________________________. However, when

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tropospherestratospherecirruscumulusstratustemperaturelayers

atmospherealtitudeshapescirrostratusmesosphereclouds

raincirrocumulusaltostratusstratocumulusfogaltocumulus

cumulonimbuswaterthermosphere



Cloud Cloze (cont.)Using the words below, fill in the missing words in the following paragraph. Some words may be used more than once.

_________________________ clouds break into small, fluffy pieces,

_________________________ clouds are formed. These clouds signal an approaching warm

front. Stratus clouds usually lie below one mile in ___________________ , but when they rise

up to 3 miles above the ground, they are called _________________________. And, when

stratus clouds become increasingly fluffy and heavy they create _________________________

clouds. Even _________________________ is a cloud. _________________________ is

basically a low forming stratus cloud that is very close

to the ground. Cumulus clouds also change. When these large billowing clouds

break up into several medium clouds and rise in elevation, they are called

_________________________. ___________________________ clouds can also grow to

massive towers called _________________________ clouds – these are the “rain bringing”

clouds that begin a storm.







Cloud Match-UpMatch each item with its description by writing the letter of the word on the line before the matching description.

____ 7 to 30 miles up in our atmosphere

____ fluffy, heavy clouds that stay low in elevation

____ lumpy clouds that occur below one mile from the ground

____ sometimes causes a “halo” around the sun and indicates coming rain

____ a way to create artificial precipitation

____ the layer of the atmosphere where clouds become active

____ when a cloud releases water in any form

____ curly or stringy clouds that occur about 3 miles off the ground

____ formed when cumulus clouds break up into medium sized clouds and rise 1-3 miles

____ bring rain, relief from hot sun, and temperature changes

____ weather forecaster

____ a plane cannot reach this layer of the atmosphere, but a large helium balloon can

____ develops when moist air is cooled and the water vapor in air condenses

____ temperatures in this layer range from 900 - 3000 degrees Fahrenheit

____ form when cirrus clouds break into small fluffy pieces

____ an increase in these clouds usually indicates rain or snow for a long time

____ clouds that are thinly spread and occur just after a fog lifts

____ form when cumulus clouds grow to massive towers

A. cloudB. troposphereC. stratosphereD. mesosphereE. thermosphereF. cirrus

G. cumulusH. stratusI. cirrostratusJ. cirrocumulusK. altostratusL. stratocumulus

M. fogN. altocumulusO. cumulonimbusP. meteorologistQ. precipitationR. cloud seeding

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12 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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6 15

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2

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7

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14 16 1

10

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Where do clouds occur?

SOHEMEPRES

MORHESTEPREH

ETMORSUI

MUPREETETRA

TEENOVLIA

RUCRIS

MCSULUU

TURSATS

FGO

UDCOL

SARMETEPHO

PESOAHERRSTT

LOOMIGTEREOTS

RITPIATENPOIC

Cloud VocabularyUnscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells withthe same number.

THERMOSPHERESTRATOSPHEREATMOSPHERETEMPERATURE

METEOROLOGISTCIRRUS

CUMULUSFOG

MESOSPHERESTRATUS

PRECIPITATIONCLOUD

ELEVATIONMOISTURE



Atmosphere IngredientsUse the information provided to make a diagram of the layers of the Earth. Be sure to useillustrations that match the descriptions. Attach another sheet of paper, if needed.

Tropospherefrom the ground to 7 miles upward, clouds form and become active here

Stratospherefrom 7 miles to 30 miles upward, some water vapor

Mesospherefrom 30 to 50 miles upward, very cold, approximately – 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Thermosphere50 miles upward and beyond, very warm, approximately 930 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit,because of the sun's radiation

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Making CloudsTeacher Note: You may want to use the science investigation sheet found on pages 34 and 35of the Additional Resources..

Follow the steps of this activity is to investigate the conditions that must be present for clouds to form.

Gather Materials: Each team of students will need:✔ 1 liter clear glass, large-mouth jar with lid✔ ice cubes or crushed ice✔ very warm water✔ matches✔ can of aerosol air freshener✔ black construction paper✔ safety glasses

Procedure:1. Fill the jar with warm water.2. Pour out most of the water, but leave about 2 centimeters of water in the bottom of the

jar. 3. Hold the black paper upright or prop it up against some books behind the jar. 4. Turn the lid of the jar upside down and fill it with ice. 5. Place the lid on the jar as shown below. 6. Observe the jar for 3 minutes. 7. Record your observations in the table under

“Control.” 8. Pour the water out of the jar and repeat steps

1 and 2.9. Prepare the lid so that you can immediately

cover the mouth of the jar during the nextstep. Move all loose papers away from the jar,put on your safety goggles.

10. Then strike a match and drop the burningmatch into the jar.

11. Cover the mouth of the jar immediately (with the ice-filled lid). 12. Record your observations in the table, in the box marked “Match.” 13. Pour out the water in the jar and repeat steps (1) and (2). 14. Spray a very small amount of the aerosol in the jar and immediately cover the mouth

of the jar with the ice-filled lid. 15. Observe what happens in the jar for three minutes and record your observations in

the table in the box marked “Aerosol.”

Based on your observations and your answers, what is the other condition besides moisture



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Making Clouds (cont.)

and cool air necessary for cloud formation?

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TRIAL OBSERVATIONS

Control

Match

Aerosol



Cloud ConcernRead the information below about cloud seeding. Then, write your own thoughts in thespace provided. Be prepared to prove your opinion and ideas in a class discussion.

With dry ice and a plane,you can create a rainstorm.Here's how cloud seeding, ormaking rain artificially, works: Aplane drops crushed dry ice into acloud; the dry ice attracts waterdroplets and ice crystals; thesecrystals get bigger and heavieruntil they fall to Earth as rain. Butnot everyone agrees on how usefuland fair it is to use this process.Some argue that it only slightlyincreases the rain that would havefallen anyway and that it can stealrain away from other areas. Whatdo you think?

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Name After ViewingQuiz

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Clouds QuizChoose the best answer for each question.

1. In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds and weather occur?a. Troposphere b. Stratospherec. Mesosphere d. Thermosphere

2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest from the sun’s radiation?a. Troposphere b. Stratospherec. Mesosphere d. Thermosphere

3. A cloud is formed by __________.a. wind and ice b. condensed water moleculesc. expanded water molecules d. warm air and wind

4. The current classification system for clouds is in what language?a. Greek b. Englishc. Latin d. Spanish

5. Which two types of clouds occur about one mile from the ground?a. Cirrus and cirrostratus b. Stratus and cumulusc. Cumulus and cirrus d. Stratus and cirrus

6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller, fluffier clouds, it becomes which type of cloud?a. Cirrocumulus b. Cirrostratusc. Altocumulus d. Stratocumulus

7. Lots of altostratus clouds result in __________. a. fog and mist b. rain or snowc. sunshine d. no precipitation

8. For fog to form, what two characteristics must the air have?a. Moist and cool b. Dry and coolc. Moist and warm d. Dry and warm

9. Which cloud is known for bringing rain?a. Stratocumulus b. Altocumulusc. Cumulonimbus d. Cirrocumulus



Clouds Quiz (cont.)Choose the best answer for each question.

10. The __________ of each cloud indicates the approaching weather conditions.a. size b. shapec. speed d. color

11. _________________ is the study of weather.a. Meteorology b. Cloudologyc. Weatherology d. Radiology

12. Who was one of the earliest weather forecasters?a. Democritus b. Socratesc. Aristotle d. Professor Science

13. Weather predictions become more accurate with the help of which type of technology?a. Television b. Computersc. Walkmans d. Video Games

14. How can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?a. By reading cloud formations b. By reading an almanacc. By watching the moon d. By observing animal behavior

15. What is one factor that determines the form of precipitation?a. Wind speed b. Size of the cloudc. Ground temperature d. Time of day

16. Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?a. Rain b. Sleetc. Snow d. Dust

17. Which factor determines how fast a cloud moves?a. The sun b. The Earth’s rotationc. Wind speed d. Gravity

18. How much does an average cumulus cloud weigh?a. 100 grams b. 200 gramsc. 5000 grams d. 500 million grams



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19. Which technique induces the release of precipitation from a cloud?a. Meteorology b. Cloud seedingc. Cloud harvesting d. Rain harvesting

20. What two compounds are used in cloud seeding?a. Silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxideb. Silver nitrogen and frozen carbon dioxidec. Silver iodide and frozen carbon monoxided. Silver nitrogen and frozen carbon monoxide

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Flash CardsOn one side of each card, write the name of a type of cloud. On the back of the card, writethe definition of the word. Illustrate the card if you wish. Use these cards to quiz yourfriends about clouds.

PoetryResearch poems that have been written about clouds. Write your own poem or song aboutclouds. Perform your art for your class.

Creative WritingWrite a story about a cloud that changes, or how water condenses in a cloud and falls tothe ground as precipitation. Be sure to write from the perspective of the cloud or of the dropof water. Feel free to create your own character and scenario. Be creative and remember toillustrate your story.

Picture DictionaryCreate a picture dictionary using the vocabulary words from the video. Trade dictionarieswith a friend and use them to quiz each other about clouds.

Cultural ConnectionsFor many years, people have performed different rituals to bring rain. Use your Internet orlocal library to research some of these traditions and report them back to your class.

Precipitation in the WorldMany parts of the world are dry and in need of rain much of the time, while others get morerain than they need. Research different parts of the world and report how varying amountsof precipitation affects life in those areas.

Cloud SeedingYou have learned a little bit about cloud seeding. Do some extra research and discoverwhere this technique is used and how it affects the people in the area. Has it causedfarmers to produce more crops? Have there been any negative effects?

Make a GraphObserve the clouds outside your classroom or home. Record your observations. Make achart or graph showing the different types of clouds you observe over a period of time.Make a parallel graph charting the weather. What patterns do you see?

AdditionalResources

Clouds Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Extensions


Indoor P.E.Clouds bring rain and rain can really put a damper on outdoor activities. Brainstorm with afriend some indoor games you can play next time your P.E. class is rained in. Think aboutphysical activities you can do standing in a small area, or games you can play that are safeinside. Share your ideas with your teacher.

Cloudy DaysSome people believe that cloudy days make people sad and sunny days make people happy.What do you think? Do some research and determine if this is true. Are people in the rainynorthwest generally sadder than people in sunny Florida?

Game ShowWith a group of students, create a game quiz show to practice your knowledge of clouds,atmosphere, and precipitation. Fashion the game after your favorite TV game show or becreative and make up your own format.

Board GameCreate a board game for other students. The game should include the types of clouds andhow clouds change, the layers of the atmosphere, and precipitation. Test it out on yourclassmates to see if it is fun and educational.

PosterMake a poster showing the different types of clouds or the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.Be sure that your poster is informative and easy to understand.

AtmosphereYou have learned a little about our atmosphere so far. Do some research on your own.What are the roles of the different layers? How do they protect Earth? What are somedangers to our atmosphere?

Visit a MeteorologistTry to schedule a trip to your local news station. Interview the meteorologist about how theyuse clouds and technology to predict weather patterns. Report your discoveries to yourclass.

FogYou have learned that fog is a type of cloud. Where do you find fog? What causes it? Whyis it dangerous? Do some research to discover how fog affects people. Report your findingsto your class.

Look UpEvery day for a week, go outside at the same time and observe the clouds. Record whatkind of clouds you see (cumulus, stratocumulus, cirrostratus, nimbostratus, etc.) along with

AdditionalResourcesExtensions

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the weather conditions. At the end of the week, review your notes and look for weatherpatterns that the different clouds indicated.

Paint the Sky Use construction paper and paint to create your favorite kind of cloud. Then, join yourclassmates and decorate the ceiling of your classroom with all of the different clouds. Hold avote to decide which cloud is your class’ favorite.

Word PartsStudents can complete a chart of words related to clouds. This could be extended and madeinto a picture book for use with younger classes. Focus should be on correctly identifyingvarious types of clouds, according to their names and the uses of prefixes and suffixes.

Free-Verse PoetryAsk scientific and imaginative questions of students to elicit responses to books aboutclouds. Consider the feeling, atmosphere, movement, color, and texture of the illustrations.Encourage comparisons such as "Clouds are like…" or "Mountains remind me of…" Haveeach student write a poem. To create a group poem ask students for a line, phrase, orsentence to begin the poem; encourage all students to share; and add lines until the poememerges. Create a book of nature poems comprised of these water-, cloud-, and mountain-inspired works.

Cloud StoriesHave students choose an illustration from one of the books about clouds. Ask them toimagine going into the illustration. What might they find? What happened just before themoment captured in the illustration? What will happen after? Where does the action takeplace? When? How are clouds an important part of the story? How do they affect the weather? Encourage students to integrate science facts to enhance theirstories.

Write AutobiographiesHave students imagine that they are the clouds in one of the illustrations. Where did theycome from? Where are they going next? Ask them to describe their surroundings. How didthey come to be, and how long did it take? Have students record their answers, integratingscience facts as well as emotional responses, in narrative or journal format. Create MythsExplore myths or stories about clouds. Include stories from a variety of cultures. Havestudents create their own myths about what clouds are and how they came to be.

Identify CloudsCreate a troposphere (the layer nearest the Earth where most weather changes occur) onone wall in the classroom. Label altitudes to indicate where the different kinds of clouds

AdditionalResources


Extensions


belong. Have students go outside and identify the types of clouds. Create artrepresentations of the clouds and attach them, with identification, to the troposphere at thecorrect altitude.

Cloud DiagramDiagram the process of cloud formation. Explore the steps involved in the birth of a cloud.Have students illustrate each contributing factor (sun, water, vapor, dust, etc.) and combinethem to create a diagram of the whole process.

Classroom MeteorologistsBe classroom meteorologists. Listen to weather reports and pay attention to what is saidabout clouds. Write an imaginary forecast focusing on the movement of clouds (light clouds,storm clouds, etc.) and what this means for people. Have students present mock forecasts tothe class.

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Below is a list of sites that you may use to find more information about clouds. Due to routine web maintenance, not all of the links will be accurate at the time of access. If the link is not available, try to conduct a search on that topic from the main site or from a search engine.

http://www.cis.hut.fi/~jucca/cloud/cloud.htmlThis site includes a cloud classifier. The classifier is a multispectral, vector-based classifier.The classification of a satellite image is done in two phases. In the first phase clouds areseparated from the surface and in the second phase the cloudy regions are classified intoten cloud types. The classifier is fully automatic, and it can be adapted to changing situations with new examples.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcirrus.htmThis site has many links and includes a great deal of information about clouds. There arephotographs, descriptions, and related information about each type of cloud.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htmThis site gives a good overview of clouds as well as providing users with links to photos ofvarious types of clouds.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/research/wmodify.htmThere is excellent information here about the practical uses of cloud seeding.

http://www.stormguy.com/cloud1.htmThis is a good site with photos of clouds and descriptions of various types of clouds.

http://www.met.tamu.edu/class/Metr304/Exer10dir/clouds.htmlThis is a neat online activity for students. It reviews cloud information and provides anopportunity for exploration. Students are asked to record information as it is discoveredwhile they are guided through the site.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/clouds/At this site you will find teacher materials, background information, and printableworksheets

http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadClouds.htmlThis site focuses on how clouds form. It includes many photos and images.

http://wildwildweather.com/clouds.htmThis site includes a cloud gallery with explanations about formations of different kinds ofclouds.

AdditionalResources


Internet Sites


http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/cldtyp/home.rxmlAt this site, you will find information including creation of cloud names through the use ofprefixes and suffixes. There are also illustrations of types of clouds at specific altitudes.

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/weather/A0857399.htmlThis is a series of articles about clouds. The articles include classification of cloudsand climatic influence.

http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/wwhlpr/condensation.rxml?hret=/guides/mtr/cld/cldtyp/home.rxml&prv=1This site provides an interactive animation of condensation.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htmThis site focuses on understanding clouds and fog.

AdditionalResourcesInternet Sites

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PURPOSE (problem):What are you trying to find out? Write as a question, in a complete sentence.

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HYPOTHESIS:What do you think will happen? Write as a complete sentence. Use the word “because” inyour response.

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MATERIALS:What supplies and equipment will you need? Give exact amounts.

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PROCEDURE:How will you find an answer to your problem? Describe your plan. Use numbered steps.Add illustrations, if appropriate.

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Names:


Science Investigation Sheet


FORMING A CONCLUSION:What did you learn? Answer the problem question. Use at least 2 sentences.

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________________________________________________________________________________

COLLECTING AND INTERPRETING DATA:What did you see happening during and by the end of your test? Choose 2 or more waysto share your results: sentences, illustrations, graphs, charts, diagrams. Add additionalsheets of paper if necessary.

Science Investigation Sheet (cont.)

36

Answer Key - Before Viewing Activity Sheet 3


What's the Truth?Some of the statements below are true and some are false. Circle each statement that youbelieve to be true. We will check these statements again after viewing the video.

Before Viewingtrue/false

After Viewingtrue/false

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Where clouds form, there is moisture in the air.

The basic cloud types are cirrus and fluffy.

Cumulus and stratus clouds occur at low levels.

Aristotle was an early weather theorist.

The four components of weather are water, air, fire, and earth.

Meteorologists are weather forecasters.

The thermosphere is extremely warm.

Clouds form in the stratosphere.

✔Precipitation happens when a cloud

releases any form of water.

✔Clouds are slow moving and almost weightless.

✔Clouds help us predict weather.

✔Humans can create rain.

✔All precipitation begins with a temperature change.

Cloud ConundrumThree factors work together to determine which type of cloud forms. Look each word up in a dictionary and copy a definition that matches this subject. Then, write a sentence telling how you think each factor changes a cloud.


Answer Key - Before Viewing Activity Sheet 4


________________________________________________________________________________

sentence:________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________________

sentence:________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________________

sentence:________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

temperature

moisture

elevation

degrees of hotness or coldness

answers will vary

water or other liquid causing wetness

answers will vary

height above the surface of the earth

answers will vary

38

Answer Key - During Viewing Activity Sheet 1


Cloud Concept MapListen to the information in the program for the three main types of clouds. Write the names of each one in the three boxes below on the left. Add a brief descriptionand an illustration. In the boxes on the right, list and draw the types of clouds that can be created from each of the main types of clouds. Add details as to how each cloud is created.

(Note to teacher: video may have to be paused throughout this activity.)

cirrus – curly or stringy andoccur very high in altitude

cirrocumulus – cirrus broken into small,fluffy pieces, 3 miles above the ground,signal an approaching warm front

cirrostratus – cirrus gradually spreads out,stays above 3 miles, indicates coming rain

altocumulus – cumulus that break up inseveral medium-sized clouds, rising to anelevation between 1 and 3 miles

cumulonimbus – cumulus that growto massive towers and rise in elevation

from just a few feet off the ground to about 7 miles.

altostratus – stratus that thin out slightlyand rise to up to 3 miles, indicate rain orsnow for a long duration of time

stratocumulus – stratus become fluffy andheavy, stay at low elevation, indicate a coldfront

cumulus – occur at rather lowlevels, about one mile from theground, lumpy and clumpedtogether

stratus – occur at rather lowlevels, about one mile from theground, thinly spread layer thatoccurs just after a fog has lifted

Aspects of AristotleListen for details about the work of Aristotle. Fill in the missing words and numbers in the paragraph below, using what you hear and see in the video.

Aristotle was a ___________________ philosopher. He lived from ___________________

to ___________________ B.C. His famous work was called ___________________.

Aristotle stated that the four basic components of weather were ___________________,

___________________ , ___________________, and ___________________. He was only

correct about half of these. The two actual components of weather from his list are

___________________ and ___________________.

***Do you think that the other two components impact weather? Explain your answer.

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________



Greek 384

322 Meteorologica

fire air earth

water

water air

Answers will vary, but should incorporate

an understanding of ideas from the video.

40



Cloud Seeding Flow MapIn the flow map below, list the steps that are taken when performing cloud seeding.

Airplanes fly above andbelow the clouds.

Airplanes release acombination of chemicalsinto the clouds – extremelycold carbon dioxide (dry ice)and silver iodide.

The water molecules formthe cloud’s precipitation.

The chemicals cause ice toform in the clouds, acting asa base from which largewater molecules can grow.


__________________________________________________

The sun is: ________________________________________

__________________________________________________


__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________


__________________________________________________

The sun is: ________________________________________

__________________________________________________


__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________



Cloud AppearancesIn the video, you will find out how a cloud's effect on sunlight can tell what is inside. Show,in words and in pictures, how this happens.

water droplets

reflected back into the atmosphere

darker and moredismal in appearance

ice

allowed to pass through thecrystal shape

brighter

42

Answer Key - After Viewing Activity Sheet 1


Summing UpRead the information below to review cloud formation. Use the graphic organizer at the bottom of the page to place the sequence of events for cloud formation in a correctly completed diagram.

HOW CLOUDS ARE FORMEDClouds are masses of water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air. When thedroplets or crystals become too heavy to remain suspended, they fall to the Earth. In orderfor clouds to form, three things are needed. First, the relative humidity must be close to 100percent. Second, tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present. (Water collects orcondenses around these particles.) Third, something must happen to cool the air. If all threeconditions exist, clouds form. The type of clouds that form depend on how cold the air isand how much water is in the air.

Cloud Formation+

relative humidity must be close to 100 percent

tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present for water to collect andcondense around these particles

something must cool the air



Cloud ClozeUsing the words below, fill in the missing words in the following paragraph. Some words may be used more than once.

_________________________are very important to our Earth because they bring

_________________________, relief from the hot sun, and ______________________ changes.

To understand clouds, you must first understand the ___________________

of the Earth’s _________________________. Clouds form and become active in the

_________________________ that extends seven miles from the ground up. From seven

to thirty miles upward is the _________________________. A minuscule amount

of ________________________ vapor or dust is found here. The next layer is the

___________________________. Planes cannot reach this layer because it is too high. Finally,

the __________________________ is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.

____________________________ of varying shapes and size can be found within

the troposphere. There are three main cloud _____________________________.

______________________ clouds are curly or stringy and occur very high in altitude, about 3

miles off the ground. _________________________ clouds occur at low levels and are lumpy

and clumped together. ______________________ clouds are a thinly spread layer of clouds,

about one mile from the ground, that occur just after a fog has lifted. When a cirrus cloud

begins to gradually spread out, it is called ___________________________. However, when





Clouds

rain temperature

layers

atmosphere

troposphere

stratosphere

mesosphere

thermosphere

Clouds

Cirrus

Cumulus

Stratus

cirrostratus

water

shapes

44



Cloud Cloze (cont.)Using the words below, fill in the missing words in the following paragraph. Some words may be used more than once.

_________________________ clouds break into small, fluffy pieces,

_________________________ clouds are formed. These clouds signal an approaching warm

front. Stratus clouds usually lie below one mile in ___________________ , but when they rise

up to 3 miles above the ground, they are called _________________________. And, when

stratus clouds become increasingly fluffy and heavy they create _________________________

clouds. Even _________________________ is a cloud. _________________________ is

basically a low forming stratus cloud that is very close

to the ground. Cumulus clouds also change. When these large billowing clouds

break up into several medium clouds and rise in elevation, they are called

_________________________. ___________________________ clouds can also grow to

massive towers called _________________________ clouds – these are the “rain bringing”

clouds that begin a storm.





cirrus

cirrocumulus

altostratus

stratocumulus

fog

Cumulusaltocumulus

cumulonimbus

Fog

altitude



Cloud Match-UpMatch each item with its description by writing the letter of the word on the line before the matching description.

___ 7 to 30 miles up in our atmosphere

___ fluffy, heavy clouds that stay low in elevation

___ lumpy clouds that occur below one mile from the ground

___ sometimes causes a “halo” around the sun and indicates coming rain

___ a way to create artificial precipitation

___ the layer of the atmosphere where clouds become active

___ when a cloud releases water in any form

___ curly or stringy clouds that occur about 3 miles off the ground

___ formed when cumulus clouds break up into medium sized clouds and rise 1-3 miles

___ bring rain, relief from hot sun, and temperature changes

___ weather forecaster

___ a plane cannot reach this layer of the atmosphere, but a large helium balloon can

___ develops when moist air is cooled and the water vapor in air condenses

___ temperatures in this layer range from 900 - 3000 degrees Fahrenheit

___ form when cirrus clouds break into small fluffy pieces

___ an increase in these clouds usually indicates rain or snow for a long time

___ clouds that are thinly spread and occur just after a fog lifts

___ form when cumulus clouds grow to massive towers

A. cloudB. troposphereC. stratosphereD. mesosphereE. thermosphereF. cirrus

G. cumulusH. stratusI. cirrostratusJ. cirrocumulusK. altostratusL. stratocumulus

M. fogN. altocumulusO. cumulonimbusP. meteorologistQ. precipitationR. cloud seeding

C

L

G

I

R

B

Q

F

N

A

P

D

M

E

J

K

H

O

46



12 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

5

6 15

9

2

11

7

8

14 16 1

10

3

4

Where do clouds occur?

SOHEMEPRES

MORHESTEPREH

ETMORSUI

MUPREETETRA

TEENOVLIA

RUCRIS

MCSULUU

TURSATS

FGO

LOOMIGTEREOTS

RITPIATENPOIC

UDCOL

SARMETEPHO

PESOAHERRSTT

Cloud VocabularyUnscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells withthe same number.

M E S O S P H E R E

T H E R M O S P H E R E

M O I S T U R E

T E M P E R A T U R E

E L E V A T I O N

C I R R U S

C U M U L U S

S T R A T U S

F O G

C L O U D

A T M O S P H E R E

S T R A T O S P H E R E

M E T E O R O L O G I S T

P R E C I P I T A T I O N

I N T H E T R O P O S P H E R E

THERMOSPHERESTRATOSPHEREATMOSPHERETEMPERATURE

METEOROLOGISTCIRRUS

CUMULUSFOG

MESOSPHERESTRATUS

PRECIPITATIONCLOUD

ELEVATIONMOISTURE

1. In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds and weather occur?a. Troposphere b. Stratospherec. Mesosphere d. Thermosphere

2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest from the sun’s radiation?a. Troposphere b. Stratospherec. Mesosphere d. Thermosphere

3. A cloud is formed by __________.a. wind and ice b. condensed water moleculesc. expanded water molecules d. warm air and wind

4. The current classification system for clouds is in what language?a. Greek b. Englishc. Latin d. Spanish

5. Which two types of clouds occur about one mile from the ground?a. Cirrus and cirrostratus b. Stratus and cumulusc. Cumulus and cirrus d. Stratus and cirrus

6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller, fluffier clouds, it becomes which type of cloud?a. Cirrocumulus b. Cirrostratusc. Altocumulus d. Stratocumulus

7. Lots of altostratus clouds result in __________. a. fog and mist b. rain or snowc. sunshine d. no precipitation

8. For fog to form, what two characteristics must the air have?a. Moist and cool b. Dry and coolc. Moist and warm d. Dry and warm


Answer Key - After Viewing Quiz

Clouds QuizChoose the best answer for each question.

9. Which cloud is known for bringing rain?a. Stratocumulus b. Altocumulusc. Cumulonimbus d. Cirrocumulus

10. The __________ of each cloud indicates the approaching weather conditions.a. size b. shapec. speed d. color

11. _________________ is the study of weather.a. Meteorology b. Cloudologyc. Weatherology d. Radiology

12. Who was one of the earliest weather forecasters?a. Democritus b. Socratesc. Aristotle d. Professor Science

13. Weather predictions become more accurate with the help of which type of technology?a. Television b. Computersc. Walkmans d. Video Games

14. How can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?a. By reading cloud formations b. By reading an almanacc. By watching the moon d. By observing animal behavior

15. What is one factor that determines the form of precipitation?a. Wind speed b. Size of the cloudc. Ground temperature d. Time of day

16. Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?a. Rain b. Sleetc. Snow d. Dust

48




17. Which factor determines how fast a cloud moves?a. The sun b. The Earth’s rotationc. Wind speed d. Gravity

18. How much does an average cumulus cloud weigh?a. 100 grams b. 200 gramsc. 5000 grams d. 500 million grams

19. Which technique induces the release of precipitation from a cloud?a. Meteorology b. Cloud seedingc. Cloud harvesting d. Rain harvesting





50Clouds Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Script

SCENE ONEPROFESSOR SCIENCEHello and welcome to the Science Video Quiz. My name is PROFESSOR SCIENCE.Today, we are going to discuss clouds! Clouds can bring all kinds of different weatherconditions, fluffy snow to play in, and cold ice storms to watch from your window, and sometimes-dreary days filled with rain. But what controls clouds?Why do clouds form? I will answer those questions, along with many others! Are youready? Let’s go!

Clouds are very important to our Earth for many reasons. They bring rain, relief fromthe hot sun, and temperature changes. However, to understand how this happens youhave to learn some cloud basics! Like for instance, there are four layers of theatmosphere: The troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.

Clouds form and become active in the troposphere, which is from the ground to seven miles upward. From, seven to thirty miles upward is thestratosphere. A miniscule amount of water vapor or dust is found here since the air from the troposphere and stratosphere do not mix very much. Planes cannot reach the mesosphere because it is too high; however, a very large helium balloon can. It is quite cold here, about 90 degrees belowFahrenheit. Lastly, the thermosphere is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.Temperatures range from 930 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit because of the sun’s intense radiation. Wow – now that’s hot!

So,we know that clouds occur in the troposphere. And that weather conditions developin this active layer of Earth’s atmosphere. But maybe we should be asking another question, like: What is a cloud?

CAST

Professor Science ..............................................................hostVictor Velocity ....................................................racecar driverWendy River ................................................................cowgirlQuizitor ............................................................................robotQuiz Clown ......................................................................clownStar Struck ..................................................................reporterSalty Gales ......................................................................pirateFizzle ................................................................................genieNuke Rockney ................................................................coachSandy Space ..............................................................astronautRicky Wave ..........................................................................DJ

Script

Scientists have found two factors that are always present in the formation of clouds. Wherever a cloud forms, there must be moisture in the air! And, at decreased temperatures, that invisible moisture will condense into a visible liquid.That liquid is a cloud.

Clouds of varying sizes, shapes, and levels can be found within the troposphere. Thereare three main cloud shapes. No, they’re not grouped by what they resemble, (cut toa car shaped cloud). Each shape gets its name from a Latin word, the language usedfor many scientific systems. The current system of classifying clouds is importantbecause the name not only tells you the shape of the cloud, but also it’s elevation.

SCENE TWOPROFESSOR SCIENCEHere are the basic shapes and their Latin names. Cirrus clouds are curly or stringyand occur very high in altitude, about 3 miles above ground. Because they are primarily made up of ice crystals, their location indicates a distant storm whose cold winds have created them. The other two shapes, cumulusand stratus occur rather at low levels, about one mile from the ground. Stratus clouds are a thinly spread layer that occur just after a fog has lifted, while cumulus clouds are lumpy and clumped together.

Scientists have taken these three basic shapes and added Latin suffixes to describe changes in the cloud’s shape and elevation. When a cirrus cloud begins to gradually spread out, it is called cirrostratus, which stays above 3 miles. A “halo” around the sun, caused by the cloud’s ice crystals, indicates the coming of rain – usually within 24 hours.

However, cirrus clouds sometimes break into small, fluffy pieces, called cirrocumulusclouds. These also occur 3 miles above the ground, and signal an approaching warm front.

Stratus clouds, usually lying below one mile in altitude, can thin out slightly, and rise to an elevation of up to 3 miles. These clouds are called altostratus. An increase in altostratus clouds usually indicates rain or snow for long duration of time.

The opposite effect, stratus becoming increasingly fluffy and heavy, createsstratocumulus clouds, which stay at a low elevation. These clouds are a precursorto an approaching cold front.

And did you know that fog is a cloud? That’s right! Fog is basically a low forming

© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Clouds Video Quiz51

Script

stratus cloud that is very close to the ground. Fog mainly occurs in areas with cool,moist air. For example, areas that have great amounts of fog tend to be near waterbecause the air is moist and the temperature falls over night. When moist air iscooled, the water vapor in the air condenses and develops a fog. The fog cloud is then warmed away by the mid-day sun.

This type of fog is called ground fog. Believe it or not, just as there are many different types of clouds, there are many different types of fog. The location and the environmental conditions of the area determine which type of fog forms.

Finally, large, billowing structures known as cumulus clouds occur below one mile.When these clouds break up into several medium-sized clouds, they rise to an elevation between 1 and 3 miles above sea level. They are known asaltocumulus.

Cumulus clouds can also grow to massive towers known as cumulonimbus clouds.This large cloud structure ranges in elevation from just a few feet off the ground to about 7 miles high. These are the “rain bringing” clouds that begin a storm.

Wow! I hope you we’re listening carefully because is time to test what we’ve learned so far with some questions about clouds. Good luck!

SCENE THREEVICTOR VELOCITY Vroom, Vroom, Vroom!!!!!!!!!! Time for a quick pit stop and a question for you!

1. In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds and weather occur?a. Troposphereb. Stratospherec. Mesosphered. Thermosphere

What do you think? Hurry and write an answer. Time for me to get back on track anddo another lap!

WENDY RIVERWhoa! All of this weather talk is making my horse happy – he loves rain!


Script

2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest from the sun’s radiation?a. Troposphereb. Stratospherec. Mesosphered. Thermosphere

Well, pardners, how did you do? Be sure to write down your answer while I mosey onover to my horse. Whoa, Nelly!

QUIZITOR Hi! I am Quizitor. I was just calculating the height of a small cumulus cloud as it gainswater vapor and mass...but anyway, see if you can answer this:

3. A cloud is formed by:a. Wind and iceb. Condensed water moleculesc. Expanded water moleculesd. Warm air and wind

Hmmm. I will use my processors for that one. Use yours too and write down aresponse. Logging off…

QUIZ CLOWNHello! You’ll never believe the number of requests I get for cloud shaped balloons!While I perfect my shaping abilities, try this one.

4. The current classification system for clouds is in what language?a. Greekb. Englishc. Latind. Spanish

I would say the answer is in the clouds, but that’s what we’re talking about. So, write down an answer (balloon pops) while I get some more balloons.

STAR STRUCK Star Struck here at the opening of another fabulous movie. It’s “All About Clouds” by the hot new director, Strato Sphere.


Script

5. Which two types of clouds occur about one mile from the ground?a. Cirrus and cirrostratusb. Stratus and cumulusc. Cumulus and cirrusd. Stratus and cirrus

What do you think? Get your answer on paper while I try to snag an interview with Mr. Sphere. Yu-hew, Mr. Sphere, over here.

SALTY GALES I’ll let you sail the ocean blue, but only if you’re able to predict the weather! Proveyourself with this one!

6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller, fluffier clouds, it becomes which type of cloud?a. Cirrocumulusb. Cirrostratusc. Altocumulusd. Stratocumulus

If you know that, you’re already a cloud-expert. Write yer answer down, matey, and I’ll see you at the next dock!

FIZZLEIf it’s three wishes you ask for, all you must do is answer me correctly…good luck!

7. An increased number of altostratus clouds indicates__________ for a long period of time.

a. Fog and mistb. Rain or snowc. Sunshined. No precipitation

How did you do? Pick one and write it down. I’m being summoned.


Script

Time for me to evaporate…

NUKE ROCKNEY We’re ahead now, keep up the good work, and the game will be ours! Try this one now!

8. For fog to form, what two characteristics must the air have?a. Moist and coolb. Dry and coolc. Moist and warmd. Dry and warm

OK team. What do you think? Get an answer down and let’s move, move, move! Youcan do it!

SANDY SPACE Hi, Sandy Space here. You might think that because I’m out of the Earth’s atmosphere Idon’t know anything about clouds. Well, I do; it’s just that they look really differentfrom up here.

9. Which cloud is known for bringing rain?a. Stratocumulusb. Altocumulusc. Cumulonimbusd. Cirrocumulus

Any idea? Great! Write down an answer while I check my controls. Ground control. Sandy Space. Just wanted to let you know that I see some cloud activity above the Rockies. Rain developing.

RICKY WAVE Hello guys and gals; Ricky Wave broadcasting live from SQRD- science quiz radio. It’s time to hear the swingin’ tunes of the Cloudettes! And away we go!

10. The __________ of each cloud indicates the approaching weather conditions. a. Sizeb. Shapec. Speedd. Color


Script

How was it? Could you dance to that one? OK, maybe not, but you’ve got youranswer down and we’re ready for Professor Science again. This is Ricky Wave signingoff!

SCENE FOURPROFESSOR SCIENCE Welcome back! It’s time for more cloud facts! The study of the Earth’s weatherconditions and cycles have long been the focus of many scientist’s investigations. Oneof the earliest weather theorists was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who lived from384-322 BC. In his famous work called Meteorologica, he stated that water, air, fireand earth were the four basic components of weather. He was correct about two ofthe factors, water and air!

Today, weather forecasters, known as meteorologists, read the sky using the cloudinformation you just learned. With the help of computer-aided instruments,meteorology has become an exact science!

Just as meteorologists did before computers, we can make simple assumptions aboutupcoming weather conditions by observing the clouds. Clouds have particular shapes,and exist at different altitudes because the air around that surrounds them.

For instance, a meteorologist could look at a cirrus cloud and know the approximatetemperature of its area. Because cirrus clouds are made up of ice crystals, they areusually found in cold weather and appear approximately 3 miles above the ground.If that cirrus cloud has a “mare tail”, a streak coming down from the cloud, then theice crystals are being released, probably in the form of snow.

Knowing those important pieces of information, the meteorologist can predict atemperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Can you believe all of this weatherinformation comes from just looking at a cloud?!

When a cloud releases any form of water: whether it is rain, sleet, snow or hail, it iscalled precipitation. All precipitation begins with a temperature change. Watervapor in the air cools and condenses, creating a cloud. The condensed watermolecules are usually in the form of ice, but we don’t always get snow. When theground temperature is much warmer than the temperature of the cloud, we get rain,sleet, wet snow, or hail. However, when the ground temperature is closer to the cloudtemperature, thin sheets of ice crystals and snow fall. So really, the type ofprecipitation your area receives depends on the ground temperature!


Script

SCENE FIVEPROFESSOR SCIENCEOne of the most popular misconceptions of clouds is that they are slow moving andalmost weightless. How often have you seen a cartoon featuring big white fluffyclouds that easily break apart and float away? Real clouds are not like that! Cloudsmove with the wind currents. That means, if the wind is blowing southeast at 50miles per hour, then the cloud is moving southeast at 50 miles per hour. Of course,clouds don’t appear to be moving that fast, because we see them from a distance.

Now, think about a cloud floating in the sky, far above us. It looks soft and pillowy,like it’s floating on air. Well, it is. But clouds aren’t exactly light. Clouds are air masseswith condensed water molecules. Cumulus clouds can weigh 500 million grams! That’s550 tons! Unbelievable! Of course, that weight is spread over a large area. It seemsimpossible that air can hold that much weight. Actually, the warmer air is, the more itcan hold.

Have you ever heard of a rain dance? Do think that human beings can really makeclouds release their precipitation when it’s needed? We actually can! For thousands ofyears, people have tried everything to create rain on demand.

In the last forty years, scientific experimentation has created a method called cloudseeding. Cloud Seeding was developed with a foundation in chemistry. It is a wayto encourage tiny cloud droplets to grow large enough to become rain or snow! Thismethod of “artificial precipitation” is commonly used over mountain ranges whensmall amounts of snow have fallen in the winter season. Cloud seeding is also used to increase rain from summer clouds to avoid drought. Most recently, inducing rain earlier than a cloud would naturally has been an effective way of avoiding damaging amounts of hail.

Now, how is this done you ask? Well, scientists have determined that extremely cold carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice, and a compound called Silver Iodide cause ice crystals to form in clouds, thus acting as a base from which large water molecules can grow. These water molecules are the cloud’s precipitation. Once the clouds are completely filled with large molecules, the water is released!

But, how do the water causing compounds get into the sky? Airplanes can fly above and below the clouds to release the chemicals into the clouds. That’s what we call weather modification!



Besides being able to predict weather conditions, a cloud’s effect on sunlight can tell us what’s inside. Here’s what I mean, when a cloud is filled with waterdroplets, more sunlight is reflected back into the atmosphere. The Earth is then darkerand more dismal in appearance. But, when clouds are filled with ice, their crystal shape allows more sunlight through the cloud to reach the ground.

Whew! Time for a few more questions? Get your pens and papers ready - here come questions 11 through 20! Good luck!

SCENE SIXVICTOR VELOCITY Vrooom!! Screeech!!! Hey! We’re in the last leg of our cloud adventure! Show me what you’re made of!

11. _______________ is the study of weather.a. Meteorologyb. Cloudologyc. Weatherologyd. Radiology

What do you think? Pick an answer and write it down. Let’s shift into high gear for the next lap!

STAR STRUCK Hi, everyone, Star Struck at the latest premiere. I always want to be the first at these events so I can see the really big superstars. Speaking of being first, do you know the answer to this…

12. Who was one of the earliest weather forecasters?a. Democritusb. Socratesc. Aristotled. Professor Science

I’m sure you know the answer. Write it down while I get an autograph. Mr. Cruise over here!

NUKE ROCKNEY This is the homestretch here! Think and react carefully!

Script


13. Weather predictions become more accurate with the help of which type of technology?a. Televisionb. Computersc. Walkmansd. Video games

Very interesting. Maybe I could use technology in my workouts…Let me think aboutthat while you write down your answer. Hmmm. I could videotape the drills, andmonitor their lifts…

QUIZ CLOWN I’m prepared for anything! Sun, rain, sleet, snow, anything! Are you?

14. How can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?a. By reading cloud formationsb. By reading an almanacc. By watching the moond. By observing animal behavior

I don’t know, how can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?! Do you know the answer? Well, write it down then and let’s move on. It’s getting a little warm in here…

WENDY RIVERYippie-kai-aye-yaya! Howdy! Time for me to ask you another knee-slapping question.

15. What is one factor that determines the form of precipitation?a. Wind speedb. Size of the cloudc. Ground temperatured. Time of day

Get yer pencils or pens movin’! It’s time for me to mosey on out of here. Good luck, y’all!

FIZZLEI’ve come quite a long way just to offer you the chance of winning your own genie – good luck!

Script

Script

16. Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?a. Rainb. Sleetc. Snowd. Dust

And I’ve been through all of them! Make sure to write down your answer while I disappear.

SALTY GALES Hello fellow sailors! You can take wheel of my all mighty ship if you can answer this question correctly!

17. Which factor determines how fast a cloud moves?a. The sunb. The Earth’s rotationc. Wind speedd. Gravity

Aye, maties, that be a tough one. I’m sure you know the answer, so write it down. Time for me to get the crew in ship shape!

RICKY WAVE Hey, guys and gals, DJ Ricky Wave comin’ to you live from SQRD- science quiz radio. It’s time for the next fabulous question!

18. How much does an average cumulus cloud weigh?a. 100 gramsb. 200 gramsc. 5,000 gramsd. 500 million grams

Whoa! That’s heavy! Think about that one and write down your answer. Stay tuned for the next question!


Script

SANDY SPACE Hi everyone. Time again from another question that’s out of this world!

19. Which technique induces the release of precipitation from a cloud?a. Meteorologyb. Cloud Seedingc. Cloud Harvestingd. Rain Harvesting

Hmm. What do you think? I’ve never tried it, but it sounds like fun. So write down an answer and let’s zoom to the next question!

QUIZITOR Hello. I am Quizitor. Time to download another question for you. Stand by…


Can you recall the answer? Please write it down and await further instructions fromProfessor Science. That is all.

SCENE SEVENPROFESSOR SCIENCE You all were great! I have really enjoyed our cloud lesson! I hope you learned some interesting facts and some basics to help you read the clouds in the sky near you! Remember to stay tuned after the video if you want to check you answers – that way you’ll be able to see just how well you did! See you next time!

ANSWERS1. a. Clouds and weather occur in the troposphere.2. d. The thermosphere is the warmest layer of the atmosphere.3. b. A cloud is a formation of condensed water molecules.4. c. The current cloud classification system uses Latin terms.5. b. Stratus and cumulus clouds occur one mile from the ground


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6. a. Cirrocumulus are formed when a cirrus cloud breaks into smaller, fluffier clouds.7. b. Rain or snow result from increasing amounts of altostratus clouds.8. a. Air needs to be moist and cool for fog to form.9. c. Cumulonimbus clouds bring rain.10. b. The shape of a cloud indicates the weather conditions.11. a. Meteorology is the study of weather.12. c. Aristotle was an early weather forecaster.13. b. Computers greatly aided the accuracy of weather forecasting.14. a. Reading cloud formations helps meteorologists

predict weather conditions.15. c. Ground temperature is one factor that determines the form of precipitation.16. d. Dust is not a form of precipitation.17. c. Wind speed determines how fast a cloud moves.18. d. The average cumulus cloud weighs about 500 million grams.19. b. Cloud seeding induces the release of precipitation.20. a. Silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice)

are two compounds used in cloud seeding.


clouds - mrs. horne's science class · clouds video quizprovides a comprehensive look at this...

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