Weather Guide Badge
1. Read a weather map –
3. Types of Clouds -
Clouds are very interesting features of weather. They are droplets or frozens
ice crystals that float above the Earth's atmosphere. Clouds come in all different shapes and sizes.
Many photographers have captured amazing pictures of these marvelous creations. Clouds are
very fun to look, especially when you are in a plane. Below are pictures and examples of clouds that
can be seen anywhere in the world.
a. There is 4 types of Cirrus clouds. Fibratus, Spissatus, Uncinus Spread, and Above 45
degrees. Cirrus Fibratus and Spissatus are ice clouds. If you do see Cirrus Fibratus and
Spissatus clouds, that means that you will be getting good weather if the winds are from
the W NW to N. Although if the winds are steady from NE E to S, precipitation is likely
within 20 to 30 hours of that time period. Cirrus Uncinus Spread and Above 45 degrees
are just like Fibratus and Spissatus, but higher
b. There are 3 types of Cirrostratus clouds. 2 types of Covering Sky and Halo. Cirrostratus
Covering Sky does just what it says. These clouds cover up the whole sky. Some types
of Covering Sky contain ice, but most do not. These clouds will mean precipitation is
likely to occur in 15 to 25 hours if the winds are NE E to S. Cirrostratus Halo is a very
interesting cloud. The Cirrostratus cloud forms a halo around the sun. Rain will likely
follow within 15 to 24 hours. The halo is formed by the sun reflecting through the ice
crystals of the Cirrostratus.
c. Cirrocumulus clouds are all ice clouds. Precipitation is likely within 15-20 hours if NE to
S winds. If you see these clouds in the morning, then that means you will likely see
some thunderstorm showers in the afternoon.
d. Altocumulus clouds are mostly water and ice clouds. There are 3 types of Altocumulus
clouds; translucidus, undulatus, and perlucidus. In all of these clouds, percipitation is
likely within 15-20 hours if wind is NE to S. Undulatus clouds mostly threaten rain.
e. Cumulus clouds are the most common clouds. There are 4 types of Cumulus clouds;
Humilis, Vertical Growth, Congestus, and Fractus. Humilis can occur during fair weather
conditions and also can transform into other types of clouds. Vertical Growth can also
occur during fair weather conditions andcan spawn afternoon showers. Congestus
clouds occur right before bad weather will move through. After they form, storms are
likely to occur in 5-10 hours. Fractus also occur during fair weather conditions but have
the tendency to break up with strong winds.
5. Long ago, people did not have clocks and watches. To tell time, they stuck a
stick into the ground and read the time of day from the shadow the stick cast. A
good science project for young children is to make their own sundial. This project
will teach kids how the sun relates to time. Making a simple sundial is easy. Build
a Sundial
a. Things You'll Need:
i. Cardboard
ii. Scissors
iii. Pen or pencil
iv. Sundial diagram
v. Tape
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Cut a circle out of cardboard eight inches in diameter to make the base of
the sundial. Use a pencil to mark the center of the circle.
Get an item to use for the hand of your sundial. The hand, also called the
gnomon, is what will cast the shadow onto the base. A pencil or pen will
work well as a gnomon.
Find the latitude of your location. You can find this information on any
map or search on the Internet. Many websites have a form where you
enter the name of your city and the site will tell you the latitude.
Print out a sundial face diagram. The NASA website and several other
places on the Internet have simple diagrams you can easily print out.
Follow the instructions for printing and folding the diagram for your
latitude.
Line up the diagram with the circular base you made. Copy the lines from
the diagram onto your base, labeling each line with the corresponding
hour.
Insert the pen or pencil (gnomon) so that it lines up with the radiating
vertical line on your circle. If the gnomon doesn't stay upright, tape it into
place.
Take your sundial outside. Using a compass, find due north. Point the
gnomon of your sundial so that it is directed due north. Read the time by
observing where the shadow is cast onto your dial.
Paper bag wind sock
You need: 1 paper bag, Different coloured paper circles, Streamers
1 piece of long construction paper (for the handle)
Scissors, Glue, Stapler
1. To make your paper bag wind sock, begin by cutting the bottom out of the
bag.
2. Next lay the bag flat, then glue your coloured circles to both sides of the bag.
You can also decorate your wind sock with stickers, glitter or pictures you draw
yourself.
3. Then, once your circles are dry, glue (or staple) the streamers to the inside
edge at the bottom of the bag.
4. Next glue the handle to the top of your wind sock so that you can hang it
from a tree branch
5. Finally, hang it outside on a breezy day and watch it move in the wind.
6. Make your own fog. You will need a narrow glass jar, very hot tap water, ice cubes,
and a small zippered sandwich bag. Pour the water into the jar. Place the ice cubes
in the bag, shut the bag, and then put the bag over the mouth of the jar making sure
that the bag does not fall in. Observe for a few minutes.
8. With help from an adult buddy, make your own rain cloud. You will need very hot (not
boiling) water, a large piece of plastic wrap, matches, ice cubes and a clear plastic
bottle cut in half. Cut a piece of plastic wrap large enough to drape over the top of
the bottle. Put several pieces of ice on the plastic wrap and set it aside. Fill the bottle
1/3 full with hot water. Light a match and throw it into the bottle.
Quickly place the plastic wrap with ice on top of the bottle. Wait and watch to see a
rain cloud appear.