Cloud Posters
Objective
Big Idea
Engage
Teacher Tip: This is a review lesson for students to extend their knowledge of the 3 types of clouds. They will create a poser using the following materials which you will need to acquire: per student- 15-20 cotton balls, 1 sheet of paper, liquid glue, markers. This lesson addresses a few writing standards: L6.2a and b, which cover proper spelling and punctuation usage in a diagram. The students are creating a model, as well, thus addressing SP2.
To start the lesson, students will individually recall information about how clouds are formed by answering the following prompt on their student notes sheet:
ENGAGE: Explain how clouds are formed. (Clouds form when condensation collects around dust particles in the atmosphere.)
Explore
Students now recall the three types of clouds from the previous lesson, writing their responses on their notes sheet:
EXPLORE: List the 3 types of clouds below.
1.
2.
3.
Explain
In order to make the process of creating the poster a bit easier, students now describe the three types of clouds, using their knowledge from previous lessons. They record their responses in the notes sheet:
EXPLAIN: Describe each type of cloud below.
1.
2.
3.
Elaborate
Students now follow a written procedure to complete their clouds poster. I help them along the way, if needed. The procedure is as follows:
ELABORATE: Create a cloud poster by following the procedure.
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Draw 2 horizontal lines evenly across your paper, dividing it into 3 equal sections, step 1
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Label the bottom section STRATUS clouds, step 2
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Label the middle section CUMULUS clouds, step 3
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Label the top section CIRRUS clouds, step 4
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Write a description of the characteristics for each type in the box. Write it small and near the label, step 5
- Use the cotton balls to make clouds for each type. Make sure they match the description.
Evaluate
As a final task, students answer the following question on their own as a reflection, using the posters to help them:
EVALUATE: Which type of cloud usually brings rain or snow? (stratus clouds)
