Clouds Weblist
Science Education
Grade 2
This
project was developed as part of the Title III Technology Literacy Challenge
Grant’s
Capital Region Collaboration for Technology
Education
2002

Pictures taken from: Microsoft Design
Gallery Live
Holy Cross School /Roman
Catholic Diocese of Albany
Sometimes the most basic topics
can become the most difficult to illustrate and enhance when teaching to
children. One such topic is “Clouds”. To help explain how clouds are formed and
to show what the different types of clouds look like, the following weblist has
been created. It is designed to show students clear and accurate information on
the formation and types of clouds. Within this list of sites both students and
teachers should find whatever they are looking for to develop their
understanding of clouds.
1.
Clouds
Here’s a great place
to get the basic information on what clouds are and how they are formed.
Provides many fantastic pictures of the various types of clouds.
http://seaborg.nmu.edu/clouds/default.html
2.
Cloud Types/Common Cloud Classifications
Provides information
including a reference table to summarize the terms used to classify clouds.
Explanations are given as to how terms for clouds were developed. This site
also provides beautiful cloud pictures for viewing and comparing.
http://www.gfdl.gov/~io/WEATHER/clouds.html
3.
Dirtmeister’s Science Lab/Lab Home “Weather or Not” (Cloud Formation)
This site provides
information on clouds and cloud formation.
It also discusses how meteorologists can use dust to make their
forecasts. The focus here is on an activity students will complete to learn how
clouds are formed, as they make their own!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirt/weather.htm
4.
Clouds and Precipitation
This site gives
glossary-like information as it describes both the familiar and unfamiliar
language pertaining to clouds, cloud classification and precipitation.
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/home.rxml
5.
The “Weather Dude”
Weather…brought to
you in a whole new way. The concept behind this site, created by meteorologist
Nick Walker of the Weather Channel, is to inspire students, teachers and
parents to learn about the weather in a whole new way, including singing about
it! The site gives ideas for activities, quizzes and terms about the weather.
Look for the feature “Musical Meteorology Pages”.
6.
What Are Clouds and Who Named Them?
This site tells
about the work of an Englishman named Luke Howard who created the categories
designed to classify clouds.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Flagstaff/science/clouds.htm
7.
Ask Earl
Learn about clouds
with the help of Earl from Yahooligans!
http://www.yahooligans.com/content/ask_earl/20010709.html
8.
Our Weather Page
Weather from a
different perspective, that of children! This is a site created by first
graders that shares their insight and knowledge of clouds. They share facts,
stories, games and puzzles. There is even a book written by the children
themselves about clouds.
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/weather/weather.htm
9.
Weather
This site provides a
look at weather, clouds, storms, precipitation and other terminology.
http://pittsford.monroe.edu/jefferson/calfieri/weather/weathermain.html
10. Cool Clouds For Kids of All Ages
Fun website where
you can view all kinds of clouds from the beautiful, to the silly and scary.
There are some terrific pictures here!
http://www.pals.iastate.edu/carlson/main.html

Students will be able to use this weblist as an enhancement to their current study of the formation and types of clouds. They will be able to view and explore how clouds are made, and will be able to see clearly the different types of clouds with clarity and distinction. Teachers will also be able to use this weblist as a resource and support to their classroom studies of clouds and meteorology.
NYS Learning Standards
Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design Students
will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as
appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard
2: Information Systems Students will access, generate, process, and
transfer information using appropriate technologies.
Standard
4: Science Students will understand and apply scientific concepts,
principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living
environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
English,
Language Arts
Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding Students
will listen, speak, read, and write for information and understanding. As
listeners and readers, students will collect data, facts, and ideas; discover
relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and use knowledge generated from
oral, written, and electronically produced texts. As speakers and writers, they
will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the
English language to acquire, interpret, apply, and transmit information.
Standard
3: Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation Students will listen,
speak, read, and write for critical analysis and evaluation. As listeners and
readers, students will analyze experiences, ideas, information, and issues
presented by others using a variety of established criteria. As speakers and
writers, they will use oral and written language that follows the accepted
conventions of the English language to present, from a variety of perspectives,
their opinions and judgments on experiences, ideas, information and issues.
National Technology
Educational Standards For Students
1. Basic
operations and concepts
o
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and
operation of technology systems.
o
Students are proficient in the use of technology.
2. Social,
ethical, and human issues
o
Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal
issues related to technology.
o
Students practice responsible use of technology systems,
information, and software.
o
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses
that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and
productivity.
3. Technology
productivity tools
o
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase
productivity, and promote creativity.
o
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in
constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce
other creative works.
4. Technology
communications tools
o
Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and
interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
o
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate
information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
5. Technology
research tools
o
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect
information from a variety of sources.
o
Students use technology tools to process data and report
results.
o
Students evaluate and select new information resources and
technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
6. Technology
problem-solving and decision-making tools
o
Students use technology resources for solving problems and
making informed decisions.
o
Students employ technology in the development of strategies
for solving problems in the real world.
Credits and References
All Graphic Images used on this page courtesy of Microsoft Design Gallery Live