The Cloud Whisperer
Long ago weather forecasts were created by observing
clouds. While predictions were fairly accurate, the
warning time for approaching storms was very short.
Nowadays, meteorologists, or scientists that study
causes of weather and how to predict it, use many types
of technology to identify conditions that produce
weather. The use of advanced technologies gives more
time to prepare for weather and results in fewer
fatalities and damage. In this investigation you will play the part of the
meteorologist. You will research the type of conditions that produce your storm and
common weather associated with the storm. Finally, you will provide safety
information associated with your storm type.
Objective: Students will be able to identify conditions, weather, and safety associated
with storms in order to create a presentation.
Prediction
1. Discuss the word, “storm”, with your group. Come up with a definition and write it
below.
2. What information would meteorologists use to predict storm formation?
Observe
3. Utilize your textbook to define the word storm. How is it different from your
prediction?
4. Watch the video provided by your teacher. List all technology and information used
to predict weather.
Pg. 1
The Challenge
You are hired as a meteorologist for the WCAT station. Your team is asked to make an
informative presentation on a type of storm. You should use power point to create a
visual during your presentation. The criteria are listed below.
You should include
 how they form
 safety measures to take
 types of precipitation
 temperatures
 example of a severe storm with pictures, description of event, and dates.
Be sure to share responsibility! Each person should have a specific task / role. Some
examples of team roles are below.
Lead Meteorologist: Monitors progress of the team and proofs all materials
Researcher: Uses resources to provide information on topics.
IT: Creates and/or assembles the slide show.
Data Collection
As each team presents their informative presentation, collect the necessary information to
complete the questions.
SNOW STORM
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Pg. 2
THUNDERSTORMS
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
HURRICANES
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Pg. 3
TORNADOS
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
FLOODS
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Pg. 4
MONSOONS
Formation: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Types of Precipitation: ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Temperatures: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Safety Precautions: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Description of Storm / Damage: ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Conclude
Complete the triple Venn diagram in order to compare and contrast three types of storms.
You should have at least 3 differences and 2 similarities.
Pg. 5
Even though scientists use many technologies to predict weather, they still observe
characteristics of clouds to make predictions. Describe the information scientists can
obtain about clouds. Provide an example of the weather a particular cloud will produce.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Pg. 6