Infusion of Literacy into the Science Curriculum
Book Information
Title
The Cloud Book
Author
Tomie DePaola
Publisher
New York: Holiday House
Copyright Year
1975
IBN#
0823402592
Summary
Introduces the ten most common types of
clouds, the myths that have been inspired by
their shapes, and what they can tell about
coming weather changes.
Availability
Arlington Central Library; APS Library system:
Abindgon, Arlington Traditional, Ashlawn,
Barcroft, Campbell; Amazon (for purchase).
How can the book content be infused into the science curriculum?
Grade Level
K-5
Strands
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and
Logic; Interrelationships in Earth/Space
Systems
Kindergarten
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
K.1; K.2- Five senses, descriptions and
sequencing
Interrelations in Earth/Space Systems
K.8 Shadows
Grade 1
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
1.1- Classifying, measuring, predicting
Interrelations in Earth/Space Systems
1.6 Night and day, effects of sun
Grade 2
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
2.1- Measurement, classification, graphs,
unexpected data
Interrelations in Earth/Space Systems
2.6 Weather
Grade 3
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
3.1- Making predications and observations, data
charted, drawing conclusion
Grade 4
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
4.1- Hypotheses, predictions, measurement
Interrelations in Earth/Space Systems
4.6 Weather-measurements, predicitons
Grade 5
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic
5.1- Classification key, measurement, graphing
data, variables
Sample Activities
Grade K-2
Make a cloud in the classroom.
1.Use a one gallon clear glass bottle and a cloth
that is large enough to cover the opening of the
bottle that will be secured with a rubber band.
Pour hot water into the clear glass jar. Let it sit a
minute until the water heats the jar, then pour out
all but one inch of water. Stretch some cloth over
the opening and secure it with a rubber band.
Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top. Observe
and record what happens. As the children watch,
water vapor will form inside the jar.
2. Observe and collect weather data daily. Include
the types of clouds, temperature, precipitation,
wind and any other appropriate data.
3. Set up a water cycle. In a clear glass container,
put a small amount of water with food coloring.
Cover with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber
band. Set the container in sunlight. Observe and
discuss what happens over time.
4. Collect rainfall for a month. Make your own rain
gauge with a tall jar. Measure the amount of rain
collected after each rainfall. Record the data and
use it to make a graph. Compare the rainfall for a
period of time.
5. Write a story about the adventures of a raindrop
traveling through each stage of the water cycle.
What would you do, how would you feel?
Grade 3-5
Go over the types of clouds that the The Cloud
Book talks about. Show pictures of the five basic
types of clouds that you want them to learn about.
Have students take various pictures of clouds using
a digital camera. Then, have them create a digital
photo cloud book identifying each type of cloud
and giving some details of each.
Make a CloudGive each group of 3-4 students a 9 X 13 or larger
cake pan, water tinted with blue food coloring,
shaving cream and one straw for each child.
1. Fill each pan with one inch of blue water.
2. Squirt a "cloud" of shaving cream onto the
water.
3. Invite the children to pretend that you have just
given each group a puffy, white cloud of their very
own.
4. Ask, "How could you move your cloud without
touching the pan or the cloud?"
5. As each group discovers that they can blow on
the "cloud" to move it, provide straws to extend
their exploration. Do the shaving cream clouds
move faster or farther when you blow harder?
6. Challenge students to think of other ways to
move the air to create wind. Provide old file
folders, scrap paper, and paper plates. Encourage
students to make different fans and discuss and
interpret the results.