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The Cloud Watcher Project


Have you ever watched the clouds as they move across the sky? Some look like wavy fish scales, some look like feathery "mares tails," and others look like thin sheets of gauze. In this project, you are going to become proficient at observing the cloud patterns over a period of time and predicting the weather from the clues they provide us.

The Task

Students observe the clouds overhead on a regular basis and classify them according to their type.As schools share and compare their local cloud cover with Gary, he will gather the observations of the project participants together and analyze and draw conclusions from the patterns that emerge.

Procedure
  1. Look up at the clouds in the sky
  2. Observe the following:
    1. Type of clouds
    2. date
    3. location
  3. Share your observations with Gary by recording your observations below.
  4. Keep thinking about the clouds in your area.
  5. Be sure to share ideas and questions with other schools in the discussion group area of this electronic classroom. Keep in touch with Gary directly by e-mail!
  6. Have fun and Keep Doing Science!

    Related Links

    For more information on cloud types and characteristics, here are some links to related information!

    Send Gary Your Data!

    Use the form below to send in the results of your cloud investigation. Gary will compile the results and post them here to share. Be sure to visit his discussion group and share your ideas and questions with him.

    Cloud Observation - Send in your data daily or at least once a week


    Click on the circle under Type of clouds you observed.

    Cirrus
    Stratus
    Cumulus
    Cirrus clouds (meaning "curl") are very high, thin, wispy clouds made of ice. At this high altitude, the temperature is always below freezing. They may form feathery strands called "mares tails" and often indicate an approaching warm front. Stratus clouds (meaning "stretched out")are unbroken sheets of gray clouds. They look like fog with the base above the ground.They usually do not bring more than a drizzle because there is no uplife movement in them. Cumulus clouds (meaning "heap") form when warm air rises, carrying some moisture with it. They are puffy, white and often bulge out at the top like cauliflower. They usually form during the day when ground temperatures increase, and disappear at night.


    Date of your observation

    Name and location of your school (city and state)


    Optional - Barometric Pressure

    Optional: Weather conditions


    Does your classroom participate in TEAMS?
    Yes     No

     

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