The Tech Savvy Teacher

The Utah Core Curriculum I decided to work with is 4th grade Standard 2, Objective 1a:
Objective 1 Observe, measure, and record the basic elements of weather
a. Identify basic cloud types (i.e., cumulus, cirrus, stratus clouds)
The technology that would enhance learning for this activity is Kidsperation. This is such a neat tool for students to use with a number of science concepts. This program has many wonderful activities that are hands-on learning tools for students to use and play with. The best part is, they are all FUN! Students need to have fun when trying to learn new things.



The first thing we would do for this lesson is to talk about types of clouds--stratus, cirrus, and cumulus. We would do research on the internet about each type of cloud and learn about what kinds of weather each brings. The first cloud we would discover is the stratus cloud. These are dense, low clouds that bring lots of fog. It can also bring rain or snow. We would be able to see different pictures of stratus clouds, such as the one below:


Note: These are stratus clouds. See how dense they are? This picture I took in Provo, Utah



The next cloud we would research are cirrus clouds. These clouds are wispy and thin. Usually, they don't produce precipitation, but they can produce some rain or snow. These clouds are usually found in long strips throughout the sky, such as:


Note: This is a picture of cirrus clouds that I took on vacation in Southern California. See how wispy and thin they are?



The last cloud we would discuss are cumulus clouds. These clouds are what comes to mind when you think of clouds or when you draw them. They are cotton-like and fluffy. Remember when you were little and would look at the clouds and see certain things? These are the clouds that are easy to do this with. These clouds can become something that brings tons of rain, snow, and other types of weather phenomena--like tornadoes. If cumulus clouds become cumulonimbus clouds, watch out! Those are SCARY clouds. My mom calls them "Harry Potter" clouds, because in the first movie, they walk into the "Great Hall" and look up to see scary thunderstorm clouds.


Note: This is a picture I took in Washington D.C. at the Washington Memorial. The clouds in this picture are cumulus clouds.

Here is a picture of some cumulonimbus clouds to give the kids an idea of the "scariness"!


Note: This picture was taken in Rogers, Arkansas. Tornado??? Maybe. Scary?? Yes.


At this point, we would all share stories about different types of clouds that we have encountered, as we look at different pictures. We would then use Kidsperation to enjoy a hands-on activity about clouds. There is a "Clouds" activity within Kidsperation that allows students to move pictures and words around to create a chart about each type of cloud we have discussed--including what the clouds look like and what type of weather they bring. A final product might look like the picture below. Kidsperation is a great tool to allow kids to build charts that help organize the information we had discussed. Kids are able to organize, observe, collect, and analyze data. This is important because it helps build the students intelligence. By using pictures and a class discussion before using kidsperation, students are able to get a better understanding of clouds and what each entails. Plus, it's fun! And, who doesn't like fun??


Note: This picture is a finished product using Kidsperation's Clouds activity