Cloud Activity

Wanted: Assistant Meteorologist

Introduction

Channel 5 Broadcasting is looking for a new assistant meteorologist! Their assistant they are looking for needs to be an expert in cloud types. Can you meet the requirements?

Task

You will learn about the different cloud types and conducting an observation over a few weeks that will make up a portfolio for you to apply as the assistant meteorologist. You will graded on your portfolio that you will complete ever the next two weeks.

Process

Step 1: Study the Field Guide below of the different types of clouds in each of the three levels.

High-Level

Medium-Level

Low-Level

Step 2: Now that we have studied the Field Guide, you will be observing the different types of clouds each day in the sky for two weeks. Each day you will need to:

1) Write down the date and time of you observation.

2) Draw a picture of the clouds.

3) Write what cloud type and a description of why it is that cloud type.

Stay on top of your observations. Missing days won’t look good in your portfolio for the position.

Step 3: After the two weeks we will take all of your observations and put them together into a portfolio to apply for the assistant meteorologist position. You will be turning your portfolio into the teacher to be graded. Then you will be eligible for the position.

Rubric

	Beginning1	Developing2	Very Good3	Exemplary4	Score and teacher feedback
Date and time of observation	Wrote date but not time.	Had date and time but not for all of the days.	Had the dates and time of the days but did not order in portfolio.	Had the dates and time of the days in order in portfolio.
Daily picture of clouds	Only drew a picture for a few days.	Drew most of pictures for the two weeks with a few days missing.	Drew pictures  every day for the two weeks.	Drew pictures of every day for the two weeks and colored them
Cloud type and description	Only cloud type but no description.	Cloud type and description but missing days.	Cloud type and description in complete sentence.	Cloud type and description in complete sentence and spelled correctly.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed your portfolio and can now use it to apply for the assistant meteorologist position! Great job on your observations. You are now experts in the different types of clouds. Why do you think different clouds look different? What would happen if there were no clouds? Which is your favorite cloud type?

Teacher Page

This lesson meets the requirements for:

Utah core curriculum

Science – 4th Grade

Standard 2
Students will understand that the elements of weather can be observed, measured, and recorded to make predictions and determine simple weather patterns.

Objective 1
Observe, measure, and record the basic elements of weather.

a)Identify basic cloud types (i.e., cumulus, cirrus, stratus clouds).

Remind the students daily about their observations to help them remember to do them.

Materials Needed:

• Rencil
• Paper
• Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils
• A Folder to create a protfolio
• A worksheet that has two weeks worth of blank spaces may be helpful. This lesson allows a lot of creativity.

For this activity, I used the NETS-T. I used Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility by advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources. I did this by giving credit to the sites that I got all the photos for the field guide. Another NETS-T I used was to Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity by engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I did this by having a real-world issue of applying for a job and allowing them to be creative in the way they setup their portfolio with all of the requirements. You can find the NETS-T standards online.