Jacquelyn C. Olson

June 28, 2009

SLM 521 – Olson - Dropin 5

5th Grade Science

 

How Do Clouds Form?

 

Introduction:  As we continue our lesson on cloud formation, we will be looking at a video from the NASA website, reading an online article and talking about the different types of cloud formations resulting from this cycle.

 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1.

Explain what cloud formation means and how cloud formation is accomplished.

2.

Define the terms:  evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection.

3.

Explain the steps in the water cycle.

 

Activities:

1.

Click on the picture below to follow the link to the NASA website.  Select and watch the video clip entitled “Our World:  Cloud Formation.”

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/nasaeclips/ourworld/earth.html

2.

Take notes on the information in the video.  This information will be necessary to complete other activities in this lesson.

 

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/nasaeclips/ourworld/earth.html

 

2.

Read the following article entitled “The Water Cycle”

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclehi.html

Follow the links throughout this article to learn more about how each part of the water cycle works.  Remember:  the information in this article will help you to complete other activities remaining in this lesson.  Take notes.

 

 

 

3.

Complete the following worksheet on the water cycle.  We will then break up into small groups of 3 to 4 students to discuss our answers.

 

Name__________________________________

Date___________________________________

Class___________________________________

 

 

1.

What is evaporation and how does it relate to condensation?

 

 

 

2.

Explain what scientists mean by condensation.

 

 

 

3.

What occurs when the air cannot hold all the condensed water?  What forms can it take?

 

 

 

4.

The last part of the cycle is collection.  Explain what happens during this part of the cycle.

 

 

 

5.

After the entire cycle is complete, what happens?

 

 

 

6.

When we say that ice and snow can sublimate, what does sublimate mean?  Explain your answer and use examples from the article.

 

 

 

7.

Without the addition of what, ice could not sublimate into vapor?

 

 

8.

How do we know that the atmosphere is full of water?  What is evidence of this?

 

 

 

9.

What is surface runoff?

 

 

 

10.

Where does most surface water flow to?  What process makes that possible?

 

 

 

11.

Where does this cycle end?  Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

Auckland City Government Image

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/stormwater/images/naturalcycle.gif

 

4.

Now test how well you understood all the material in this lesson by taking the water cycle quiz by following the link. To check your answers, select the button at the bottom of the page.  http://education.jlab.org/reading/water_cycle.html