Cloud Project
Different types of clouds are producers and indicators of different
types of weather. We can learn so much about the weather by just
LOOKING UP! Cloud shape can tell us about the stability of the
atmosphere, while cloud height can tell us the distance of an
approaching storm. When you combine shape and height together,
you can predict the likelihood of precipitation in the coming days. In this activity, you will
work in a group of 2 or 3 to make a “product” that represents what you have learned
about each of the following types of clouds:
-High Clouds-
-Mid-level Clouds-
-Low-lying Clouds-
Cirrus
Altocumulus
Cumulus
Cirrostratus
Altostratus
Stratus
Cirrocumulus
Nimbostratus
Stratocumulus
-Vertical Clouds-
-Contrails-
Unique clouds (minimum 1)
Cumulonimbus
Short-lived
Lenticular
Supercells
Persistent non-spreading
Mammatus
Persistent spreading
Altocumulus Castelanus
Noctilucent
Cirrus Kelvin Helmholtz
Roll clouds
Shelf Clouds
Your final product must something that you can use as a resource that you will be able
to use in your weather data collection and forecasting.
All of the following criteria must be included:
 An explanation and diagram/sketch/picture of how clouds form (be sure to
include the relationship between temperature and dew point in cloud formation.)
 An explanation and diagram(s)/sketch(es) of the differences in cloud formation at
warm fronts vs. cold fronts.
 A general description and diagram/sketch/picture of the two main shapes of
clouds: cumulus and stratus
 A description of how clouds help regulate the earth’s climate. (How do they help
cool/warm the earth? How is warming/cooling affected by low vs. high clouds?)
 A description of how clouds can be used to forecast weather.
For each group of clouds, you will include:
 Altitude range for clouds
 Composition of clouds
 An overall diagram/picture showing ALL of the clouds at their varying altitudes
For each TYPE of cloud, you will include:
 At least ONE 1 pictures of the each
 A description of its general appearance, shape, color/shading, height (thickness),
altitude at which it forms
 The type of weather associated with each type
 Forecast of weather to come when each cloud type is in the sky.
 Life cycle of the cloud type. (Remember we only see them overhead for a short
period of time….did they look like that BEFORE they got to us and will they
continue to look that way as they move past us? What causes them to change as
they move?)
Day 1:
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Form your group of 2-3 students
Brainstorm what your final product will be
Identify the responsibilities of each person in the group.
Create a rubric for grading your project. Go ABOVE AND BEYOND!
Day 2-3 In-class research (Oct. 9 and 13th –no school on Oct. 12th)
Day 4-5 individual work outside of class (Oct. 14-15)
Day 6: “ASSEMBLE” AND FINE TUNE FINAL PRODUCT—DUE AT END OF THE
HOUR OCT. 16TH.
Suggested Links for your research:
Temperature-Moisture Relationship
What are Clouds Made of?
Do clouds warm or cool the climate?
How Do Clouds Form?
A Positive Outlook for Clouds
How to Predict the Weather
How to Forecast the Weather Using Clouds
Cloud Types
What are clouds and how do the form?
Clouds and How They Form
Cloud Types
Cloud Image Gallery
How to Predict the Weather using Clouds
Predicting the Weather with Clouds
Distinguish the Different types of Clouds
Videos
Cloud Types
How to Predict Weather by Reading the Clouds (includes info on warm/cold fronts)
Weather 101
10 Rare Cloud Formations