Lesson Plan : Cloud Types

Teacher Name:
 Monica Simmos
Grade:
 Grade 4
Subject:
 Science

Topic:
 
Content:
 There are different types of clouds. Varying cloud types have distinguishing characteristics.
Goals:
 The students will be able to identify the different types of clouds.
Objectives:
 Students will create a picture that shows four different cloud types (Cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and cumulus).
Materials:
  1 piece of blue construction paper per student 3-4 cotton balls per student 1 bottle of glue per 4 students crayons
Introduction:
 Begin the lesson by discussing the weather at the time. Ask probing questions like, "What is the difference between the weather today and the weather yesterday?" , "What kind of an effect do you think clouds have on weather?" or "What makes one cloud different from another?".
Development:
 Show the students selected pictures from the book Spacious Skies and a series of pictures from the laser disc. Talk about what they are seeing by discussing the different characteristics of the clouds. Be sure to point out height (elevation), texture and color. Introduce the four types of clouds with which the class will be working.
Practice:
  1.Introduce the four types of clouds with which the class will be working. These clouds are cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus. Write the four names on the chalkboard and ask the class to describe each type (where it would be found, what it looks like, its color). While working on each name, use the corresponding picture from the laser disc. When the class is done listing characteristics, ask them to place the four different types of clouds in the appropriate spot on the cloudscape that you've created. 2.Explain to the students that they will be responsible for making a "cloudscape". They will be using construction paper, cotton balls, glue and crayons to create a scene that incorporates all four of the cloud types discussed.
Accommodations:
 
Checking For Understanding:
 
Closure:
 Bring the class back together as a whole by having the children present their cloudscapes to the class. Make sure that they explain what each cloud is and its relation to the horizon.
Evaluation:
 One way to assess this lesson would be to use a creative writing experience. Each student should pick a cloud type and write about a typical day from the cloud's perspective. For example, a stratus cloud could talk about hanging around close to his friend the earth all day and watching the people run from place to place. The teacher would be looking for the distinguishing characteristics of the cloud types discussed in class. Another way to assess this lesson would be to go outside and have the students decide what clouds they see in the sky. This could be continued throughout the week with the students keeping a cloud journal. At the end of the week, compare their journals with your own.
Teacher Reflections:
 

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