EarthSci Clouds PDF

Teachers Guide
Clouds
Grades 5-9
CLTV
CREDITS
Program Production
S u n b u r s t Vi s u a l M e d i a
Te a c h e r s G u i d e
Rose Bulau, M.Ed.
National Board Certification
Print Material Design
Desktop Productions
2004 Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Hawthorne, NY 10532
Approximate running time: 32 minutes
Clouds Video Quiz
Table of
Contents
Guide Information ....................................05
Fast Facts..................................................07
Before Viewing Activities ..........................08
During Viewing Activities ..........................12
After Viewing Activities ............................16
After Viewing Quizzes ..............................25
Additional Resources ................................28
Answer Keys ............................................36
Script........................................................50
Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC
Clouds Video Quiz
About This Guide
Guide
Information
Providing students with visual media is an excellent way to take them out of the
classroom and into the real world. Our programs offer real-world footage, dynamic graphics,
engaging dramatizations, and first-person testimonials that keep students interested and help
them visualize difficult concepts. More importantly, they reinforce critical learning objectives
shaped by state and national educational standards. However, the learning doesnt begin and
end when the program does. You can make the learning experience even more effective by
using the materials provided in this Teachers Guide.
This guide is divided into the following sections:
Fast Facts are designed to give your students a quick overview of the
information presented within the video.
Before Viewing Activities help identify what students already know
about the subject, what they are curious about, and what they hope to learn.
During Viewing Activities may be used during viewing to enhance
students understanding of the video.
After Viewing Activities help students summarize and draw conclusions
from the information that was presented.
After Viewing Quizzes test students retention of the information presented
in the program and activity sheets.
Additional Resources are designed to help you extend the information
presented in the program into other areas of your curriculum.
Answer Keys are provided for relevant activities or reproducible pages.
Script content is provided in an unabridged version for future reference.
Clouds Video Quiz
Program Overview
Guide
Information
Clouds Video Quiz provides a comprehensive look at this topic. Students explore
the important role clouds have for our Earth, the main types of clouds and how
to distinguish between them, and factors that are required for clouds to form. In addition,
students will investigate the importance of clouds to weather forecasting
and where specific clouds are located in the various layers of the atmosphere.
The on-screen quiz summarizes information provided in the video.
Viewing Objectives
By viewing the video and engaging in the activities provided,
students will be able to:
Name and describe the layers of Earths atmosphere.
Name and describe the basic cloud types.
Use measurable terms to show how clouds change and

how clouds are classified.
Use measurable terms to show how meteorologists use

clouds to determine weather patterns.
Describe the relationship between clouds

and precipitation.
Correlation With the National Science Foundation:

Students should develop an understanding of structure and function in living systems.
Students should develop an understanding of changes in Earth and sky.
The sun, moon, stars, clouds, birds, and airplanes all have properties, locations, and
movements that can be observed and described.
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Fast Facts
Fast Facts
Clouds bring all kinds of different weather

conditions.
Clouds are important to our Earth because
they bring rain, relief from
hot sun, and temperature changes.
The four layers of the atmosphere are the
troposphere, the stratosphere, the
mesosphere, and the thermosphere.
Clouds form and become active
in the troposphere, from the
ground to 7 miles upward.
Small amounts of water vapor are found
in the stratosphere, which extends from 7
miles to 30 miles upward.
Stratocumulus clouds are formed when

stratus clouds become fluffy and heavy
and stay at a low elevation. These clouds
indicate a cold front is moving in.
The mesosphere is very cold, about 90

degrees below Fahrenheit.
Fog is a low-forming stratus cloud that is

very close to the ground.
The thermosphere is about 50 miles

upward and is extremely hot, with
temperatures ranging from 930
to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit
(due to the sun's radiation).
Altocumulus clouds are formed when

cumulus clouds break up into several
medium-sized clouds and rise to an
elevation between 1 and 3 miles.
The two factors that affect the formation of

clouds are moisture and temperature.
The three basic cloud types are
cirrus, cumulus, and stratus.
Cirrus clouds are curly or stringy and
occur very high in altitude. They are
primarily made up of ice crystals and their
location indicates a distant storm whose
cold winds have created them.
Cumulus clouds occur at a low level
and are lumpy and clumped together.
Stratus clouds occur at a low level
and are a thinly spread layer that
occurs just after a fog has lifted.
Cirrus clouds sometimes break into small,
fluffy pieces, called cirrocumulus, which
occur 3 miles above the ground and
indicate an approaching front.
Altostratus clouds are stratus clouds
that have thinned out slightly and risen to
an elevation of up to 3 miles. Their
presence indicates rain or snow for
a long duration of time.
Cumulonimbus clouds are massive towers

of cumulus clouds. They range
in elevation from just a few feet off the
ground to 7 miles high. They bring rain.
Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher,
thought that water, air, fire, and earth were
the four basic components of weather.
Actually, it is only water and air.
Meteorologists are weather forecasters
who read the sky using cloud information
and computer-aided instruments.
Precipitation occurs when a cloud releases
any form of water, whether
it is rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
All precipitation begins with
a change in temperature.
Clouds move with the wind currents.
Clouds are heavy air masses
of condensed water molecules.
Cloud seeding is a way to fill
clouds with chemicals that can
help cause precipitation.
Clouds Video Quiz
Before Viewing
Activity 1
Name
Cloud Acrostic
The program you are about to see will provide you with information about clouds. Use
the letters from the word cloud to show what you already know. Next to each letter
below, write a word or phrase that begins with the letter and tells something that you
already know about clouds.
C
L
O
U
D
8
Clouds Video Quiz
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Before Viewing
Activity 2
Name
What Do You Think?

The following questions are answered in the program. Before viewing the program,
consider what you think about each question. Show your ideas for each question
in words and in pictures.
What is a cloud? ________________________________

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What controls clouds?____________________________

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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Why do clouds form? ____________________________

__________________________________________________
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What is fog?____________________________________
__________________________________________________
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Are there different kinds of clouds? ________________

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Clouds Video Quiz
Before Viewing
Activity 3
Name
What's the Truth?

Some of the statements below are true and some are false. Prior to watching the program,
mark the appropriate box in the Before Viewing column. After viewing
the program, mark the appropriate box in the After Viewing column.
After Viewing
Before Viewing
true/false
true/false
Clouds form in the stratosphere.
The thermosphere is extremely warm.
Where clouds form, there is moisture in the air.
The basic cloud types are cirrus and fluffy.
Cumulus and stratus clouds occur at low levels.
Aristotle was an early weather theorist.

The four components of weather
are water, air, fire, and earth.
Meteorologists are weather forecasters.
Precipitation happens when a cloud
releases any form of water.
All precipitation begins with a temperature change.
Clouds are slow moving and almost weightless.
Clouds help us predict weather.
Humans can create rain.

10
Clouds Video Quiz
Before Viewing
Activity 4
Name
Cloud Conundrum
Three factors work together to determine which type of cloud forms. Look
each word up in a dictionary and copy a definition that matches. Then,
write a sentence telling how you think each factor changes a cloud.
temperature
dictionary definition:______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
moisture
________________________________________________________________________________
sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
elevation
________________________________________________________________________________
sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Clouds Video Quiz
11
During Viewing
Activity 1
Name
Cloud Concept Map

Listen to the information in the program for the three main types of clouds.
Write the names of each one in the three boxes below on the left. Add a brief description
and an illustration. In the boxes on the right, list and draw the types
of clouds that can be created from each of the main types of clouds. Add details
as to how each cloud is created.
(Note to teacher: Program may have to be paused throughout this activity.)
12
Clouds Video Quiz
During Viewing
Activity 2
Name
Aspects of Aristotle
Listen for details about the work of Aristotle. Fill in the missing words and
numbers in the paragraph below, using what you hear and see in the program.
Aristotle was a ___________________ philosopher. He lived from ___________________
to ___________________ B.C. His famous work was called ___________________.
Aristotle stated that the four basic components of weather were ___________________,
___________________ , ___________________, and ___________________. He was only
correct about half of these. The two actual components of weather from his list are
___________________ and ___________________.
***Do you think that the other two components impact weather? Explain your answer.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Clouds Video Quiz
13
During Viewing
Activity 3
Name
Cloud Seeding Flow Map

In the flow map below, list the steps that are taken when performing
cloud seeding.
14
Clouds Video Quiz
During Viewing
Activity 4
Name
Cloud Appearances
In the program, you will find out how a cloud's effect on sunlight can tell what is inside.
Show, in words and in pictures, how this happens.
When a cloud contains: ____________________________

__________________________________________________
The sun is: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________
and the Earth appears:______________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________
The sun is: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Clouds Video Quiz
15
After Viewing
Activity 1
Name
Summing Up
Read the information below to review cloud formation. Use the graphic organizer
at the bottom of the page to place the sequence of events for cloud formation in
a correctly completed diagram.
HOW CLOUDS ARE FORMED

Clouds are masses of water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air. When the
droplets or crystals become too heavy to remain suspended, they fall to the Earth. In order
for clouds to form, three things are needed. First, the relative humidity must be close to 100
percent. Second, tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present. (Water collects or
condenses around these particles.) Third, something must happen to cool the air. If all three
conditions exist, clouds form. The type of clouds that form depend on how cold the air is
and how much water is in the air.
Cloud Formation
16
Clouds Video Quiz
After Viewing
Activity 2
Name
Cloud Cloze
Using the words below, fill in the missing words in the following paragraph.
Some words may be used more than once.
troposphere
stratosphere
cirrus
cumulus
stratus
temperature
layers
cumulonimbus
water
thermosphere
rain
cirrocumulus
altostratus
stratocumulus
fog
altocumulus
atmosphere
altitude
shapes
cirrostratus
mesosphere
clouds
_________________________are very important to our Earth because they bring

_________________________, relief from the hot sun, and ______________________ changes.
To
understand
clouds,
you
must
first
understand
the
___________________
of the Earths _________________________. Clouds form and become active in the

_________________________ that extends seven miles from the ground up.
From seven
to thirty miles upward is the _________________________. A minuscule amount

of ________________________ vapor or dust is found here.
The next layer is the
___________________________. Planes cannot reach this layer because it is too high. Finally,
the __________________________ is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.
____________________________ of varying shapes and size can be found within
the troposphere.
There are three main cloud _____________________________.
______________________ clouds are curly or stringy and occur very high in altitude, about 3
miles off the ground. _________________________ clouds occur at low levels and are lumpy
and clumped together. ______________________ clouds are a thinly spread layer of clouds,
about one mile from the ground, that occur just after a fog has lifted. When a cirrus cloud
begins to gradually spread out, it is called ___________________________. However, when
Clouds Video Quiz
17
After Viewing
Activity 2
Name
Cloud Cloze (cont.)

atmosphere
altitude
shapes
cirrostratus
mesosphere
clouds
troposphere
stratosphere
cirrus
cumulus
stratus
temperature
layers
_________________________
clouds
cumulonimbus
water
thermosphere
rain
cirrocumulus
altostratus
stratocumulus
fog
altocumulus
break
into
small,
fluffy
pieces,
_________________________ clouds are formed. These clouds signal an approaching warm

front. Stratus clouds usually lie below one mile in ___________________ , but when they rise
up to 3 miles above the ground, they are called _________________________. And, when
stratus clouds become increasingly fluffy and heavy they create _________________________
clouds.
Even _________________________ is a cloud. _________________________ is
basically
to the ground.
low
forming
stratus
Cumulus clouds also change.
cloud
that
is
very
close
When these large billowing clouds
break up into several medium clouds and rise in elevation, they are called
_________________________.
___________________________ clouds can also grow to
massive towers called _________________________ clouds these are the rain bringing
clouds that begin a storm.
18
Clouds Video Quiz
After Viewing
Activity 3
Name
Cloud Match-Up
Match each item with its description by writing the letter of the word
on the line before the matching description.
A. cloud
B. troposphere
C. stratosphere
D. mesosphere
E. thermosphere
F. cirrus
G. cumulus
H. stratus
I. cirrostratus
J. cirrocumulus
K. altostratus
L. stratocumulus
M. fog
N. altocumulus
O. cumulonimbus
P. meteorologist
Q. precipitation
R. cloud seeding
____ 7 to 30 miles up in our atmosphere

____ fluffy, heavy clouds that stay low in elevation
____ lumpy clouds that occur below one mile from the ground
____ sometimes causes a halo around the sun and indicates coming rain
____ a way to create artificial precipitation
____ the layer of the atmosphere where clouds become active
____ when a cloud releases water in any form
____ curly or stringy clouds that occur about 3 miles off the ground
____ formed when cumulus clouds break up into medium sized clouds and rise 1-3 miles
____ bring rain, relief from hot sun, and temperature changes
____ weather forecaster
____ a plane cannot reach this layer of the atmosphere, but a large helium balloon can
____ develops when moist air is cooled and the water vapor in air condenses
____ temperatures in this layer range from 900 - 3000 degrees Fahrenheit
____ form when cirrus clouds break into small fluffy pieces
____ an increase in these clouds usually indicates rain or snow for a long time
____ clouds that are thinly spread and occur just after a fog lifts
____ form when cumulus clouds grow to massive towers
Clouds Video Quiz
19
After Viewing
Activity 4
Name
Cloud Vocabulary
Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with
the same number.
SOHEMEPRES
12
13
MORHESTEPREH
5
ETMORSUI
6
15
MUPREETETRA
9
TEENOVLIA
THERMOSPHERE
STRATOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
TEMPERATURE
METEOROLOGIST
CIRRUS
CUMULUS
FOG
MESOSPHERE
STRATUS
PRECIPITATION
CLOUD
ELEVATION
MOISTURE
RUCRIS
11
MCSULUU
TURSATS
7
FGO
8
UDCOL
SARMETEPHO
3
PESOAHERRSTT
4
LOOMIGTEREOTS
14
16
RITPIATENPOIC
10
Where do clouds occur?
20
Clouds Video Quiz
10
11 12 13 14 15 16
After Viewing
Activity 5
Name
Atmosphere Ingredients
Use the information provided to make a diagram of the layers of the Earth. Be sure to use
illustrations that match the descriptions. Attach another sheet of paper, if needed.
Troposphere
from the ground to 7 miles upward, clouds form and become active here
Stratosphere
from 7 miles to 30 miles upward, some water vapor
Mesosphere
from 30 to 50 miles upward, very cold, approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Thermosphere
50 miles upward and beyond, very warm, approximately 930 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit,
because of the sun's radiation
Clouds Video Quiz
21
After Viewing
Activity 6
Name
Making Clouds
Teacher Note: You may want to use the science investigation sheet found on pages 34 and 35
of the Additional Resources..
Follow the steps of this activity is to investigate the conditions that must be present
for clouds to form.
Gather Materials: Each team of students will need:
1 liter clear glass, large-mouth jar with lid

ice cubes or crushed ice
very warm water
matches
can of aerosol air freshener
black construction paper
safety glasses
Procedure:
1. Fill the jar with warm water.
2. Pour out most of the water, but leave about 2 centimeters of water in the bottom of the
jar.
3. Hold the black paper upright or prop it up against some books behind the jar.
4. Turn the lid of the jar upside down and fill it with ice.
5. Place the lid on the jar as shown below.
6. Observe the jar for 3 minutes.
7. Record your observations in the table under
Control.
8. Pour the water out of the jar and repeat steps
1 and 2.
9. Prepare the lid so that you can immediately
cover the mouth of the jar during the next
step. Move all loose papers away from the jar,
put on your safety goggles.
10. Then strike a match and drop the burning
match into the jar.
11. Cover the mouth of the jar immediately (with the ice-filled lid).
12. Record your observations in the table, in the box marked Match.
13. Pour out the water in the jar and repeat steps (1) and (2).
14. Spray a very small amount of the aerosol in the jar and immediately cover the mouth
of the jar with the ice-filled lid.
15. Observe what happens in the jar for three minutes and record your observations in
the table in the box marked Aerosol.
Based on your observations and your answers, what is the other condition besides moisture
22
Clouds Video Quiz
After Viewing
Activity 6
Name
Making Clouds (cont.)

TRIAL
OBSERVATIONS
Control
Match
Aerosol
and cool air necessary for cloud formation?
________________________________________________________________________________
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Clouds Video Quiz
23
Name
After Viewing
Activity 7
Cloud Concern
Read the information below about cloud seeding. Then, write your own thoughts in the
space provided. Be prepared to prove your opinion and ideas in a class discussion.
With dry ice and a plane,
you can create a rainstorm.
Here's how cloud seeding, or
making rain artificially, works: A
plane drops crushed dry ice into a
cloud; the dry ice attracts water
droplets and ice crystals; these
crystals get bigger and heavier
until they fall to Earth as rain. But
not everyone agrees on how useful
and fair it is to use this process.
Some argue that it only slightly
increases the rain that would have
fallen anyway and that it can steal
rain away from other areas. What
do you think?
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24
Clouds Video Quiz
Name
After Viewing
Quiz
Clouds Quiz
Choose the best answer for each question.
1. In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds and weather occur?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest from the suns radiation?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
3. A cloud is formed by __________.
a. wind and ice
b. condensed water molecules
c. expanded water molecules
d. warm air and wind
4. The current classification system for clouds is in what language?
a. Greek
b. English
c. Latin
d. Spanish
5. Which two types of clouds occur about one mile from the ground?
a. Cirrus and cirrostratus
b. Stratus and cumulus
c. Cumulus and cirrus
d. Stratus and cirrus
6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller, fluffier clouds,
it becomes which type of cloud?
a. Cirrocumulus
b. Cirrostratus
c. Altocumulus
d. Stratocumulus
7. Lots of altostratus clouds result in __________.
a. fog and mist
b. rain or snow
c. sunshine
d. no precipitation
8. For fog to form, what two characteristics must the air have?
a. Moist and cool
b. Dry and cool
c. Moist and warm
d. Dry and warm
9. Which cloud is known for bringing rain?
a. Stratocumulus
b. Altocumulus
c. Cumulonimbus
d. Cirrocumulus
Clouds Video Quiz
25
After Viewing
Quiz
Name
Clouds Quiz (cont.)

10. The __________ of each cloud indicates the approaching

weather conditions.
a. size
b. shape
c. speed
d. color
11. _________________ is the study of weather.
a. Meteorology
b. Cloudology
c. Weatherology
d. Radiology
12. Who was one of the earliest weather forecasters?
a. Democritus
b. Socrates
c. Aristotle
d. Professor Science
13. Weather predictions become more accurate with the help
of which type of technology?
a. Television
b. Computers
c. Walkmans
d. Video Games
14. How can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?
a. By reading cloud formations b. By reading an almanac
c. By watching the moon
d. By observing animal behavior
15. What is one factor that determines the form of precipitation?
a. Wind speed
b. Size of the cloud
c. Ground temperature
d. Time of day
16. Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?
a. Rain
b. Sleet
c. Snow
d. Dust
17. Which factor determines how fast a cloud moves?
a. The sun
b. The Earths rotation
c. Wind speed
d. Gravity
18. How much does an average cumulus cloud weigh?
a. 100 grams
b. 200 grams
c. 5000 grams
d. 500 million grams
26
Clouds Video Quiz
Name
After Viewing
Quiz
Clouds Quiz (cont.)

19. Which technique induces the release of precipitation from a cloud?
a. Meteorology
b. Cloud seeding
c. Cloud harvesting
d. Rain harvesting
20. What two compounds are used in cloud seeding?
a. Silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide
b. Silver nitrogen and frozen carbon dioxide
c. Silver iodide and frozen carbon monoxide
d. Silver nitrogen and frozen carbon monoxide
Clouds Video Quiz
27
Extensions
Additional
Resources
Flash Cards
On one side of each card, write the name of a type of cloud. On the back of the card, write
the definition of the word. Illustrate the card if you wish. Use these cards to quiz your
friends about clouds.
Poetry
Research poems that have been written about clouds. Write your own poem or song about
clouds. Perform your art for your class.
Creative Writing
Write a story about a cloud that changes, or how water condenses in a cloud and falls to
the ground as precipitation. Be sure to write from the perspective of the cloud or of the drop
of water. Feel free to create your own character and scenario. Be creative and remember to
illustrate your story.
Picture Dictionary
Create a picture dictionary using the vocabulary words from the video. Trade dictionaries
with a friend and use them to quiz each other about clouds.
Cultural Connections
For many years, people have performed different rituals to bring rain. Use your Internet or
local library to research some of these traditions and report them back to your class.
Precipitation in the World
Many parts of the world are dry and in need of rain much of the time, while others get more
rain than they need. Research different parts of the world and report how varying amounts
of precipitation affects life in those areas.
Cloud Seeding
You have learned a little bit about cloud seeding. Do some extra research and discover
where this technique is used and how it affects the people in the area. Has it caused
farmers to produce more crops? Have there been any negative effects?
Make a Graph
Observe the clouds outside your classroom or home. Record your observations. Make a
chart or graph showing the different types of clouds you observe over a period of time.
Make a parallel graph charting the weather. What patterns do you see?
28
Clouds Video Quiz
Extensions
Additional
Resources
Indoor P.E.
Clouds bring rain and rain can really put a damper on outdoor activities. Brainstorm with a
friend some indoor games you can play next time your P.E. class is rained in. Think about
physical activities you can do standing in a small area, or games you can play that are safe
inside. Share your ideas with your teacher.
Cloudy Days
Some people believe that cloudy days make people sad and sunny days make people happy.
What do you think? Do some research and determine if this is true. Are people in the rainy
northwest generally sadder than people in sunny Florida?
Game Show
With a group of students, create a game quiz show to practice your knowledge of clouds,
atmosphere, and precipitation. Fashion the game after your favorite TV game show or be
creative and make up your own format.
Board Game
Create a board game for other students. The game should include the types of clouds and
how clouds change, the layers of the atmosphere, and precipitation. Test it out on your
classmates to see if it is fun and educational.
Poster
Make a poster showing the different types of clouds or the layers of the Earths atmosphere.
Be sure that your poster is informative and easy to understand.
Atmosphere
You have learned a little about our atmosphere so far. Do some research on your own.
What are the roles of the different layers? How do they protect Earth? What are some
dangers to our atmosphere?
Visit a Meteorologist
Try to schedule a trip to your local news station. Interview the meteorologist about how they
use clouds and technology to predict weather patterns. Report your discoveries to your
class.
Fog
You have learned that fog is a type of cloud. Where do you find fog? What causes it? Why
is it dangerous? Do some research to discover how fog affects people. Report your findings
to your class.
Look Up
Every day for a week, go outside at the same time and observe the clouds. Record what
kind of clouds you see (cumulus, stratocumulus, cirrostratus, nimbostratus, etc.) along with
Clouds Video Quiz
29
Extensions
Additional
Resources
the weather conditions. At the end of the week, review your notes and look for weather
patterns that the different clouds indicated.
Paint the Sky
Use construction paper and paint to create your favorite kind of cloud. Then, join your
classmates and decorate the ceiling of your classroom with all of the different clouds. Hold a
vote to decide which cloud is your class favorite.
Word Parts
Students can complete a chart of words related to clouds. This could be extended and made
into a picture book for use with younger classes. Focus should be on correctly identifying
various types of clouds, according to their names and the uses of prefixes and suffixes.
Free-Verse Poetry
Ask scientific and imaginative questions of students to elicit responses to books about
clouds. Consider the feeling, atmosphere, movement, color, and texture of the illustrations.
Encourage comparisons such as "Clouds are like" or "Mountains remind me of" Have
each student write a poem. To create a group poem ask students for a line, phrase, or
sentence to begin the poem; encourage all students to share; and add lines until the poem
emerges. Create a book of nature poems comprised of these water-, cloud-, and mountaininspired works.
Cloud Stories
Have students choose an illustration from one of the books about clouds. Ask them to
imagine going into the illustration. What might they find? What happened just before the
moment captured in the illustration? What will happen after? Where does the action take
place? When? How are clouds an important part of the story? How do
they affect the weather? Encourage students to integrate science facts to enhance their
stories.
Write Autobiographies
Have students imagine that they are the clouds in one of the illustrations. Where did they
come from? Where are they going next? Ask them to describe their surroundings. How did
they come to be, and how long did it take? Have students record their answers, integrating
science facts as well as emotional responses, in narrative or journal format.
Create Myths
Explore myths or stories about clouds. Include stories from a variety of cultures. Have
students create their own myths about what clouds are and how they came to be.
Identify Clouds
Create a troposphere (the layer nearest the Earth where most weather changes occur) on
one wall in the classroom. Label altitudes to indicate where the different kinds of clouds
30
Clouds Video Quiz
Extensions
Additional
Resources
belong. Have students go outside and identify the types of clouds. Create art
representations of the clouds and attach them, with identification, to the troposphere at the
correct altitude.
Cloud Diagram
Diagram the process of cloud formation. Explore the steps involved in the birth of a cloud.
Have students illustrate each contributing factor (sun, water, vapor, dust, etc.) and combine
them to create a diagram of the whole process.
Classroom Meteorologists
Be classroom meteorologists. Listen to weather reports and pay attention to what is said
about clouds. Write an imaginary forecast focusing on the movement of clouds (light clouds,
storm clouds, etc.) and what this means for people. Have students present mock forecasts to
the class.
Clouds Video Quiz
31
Internet Sites
Additional
Resources
Below is a list of sites that you may use to find more information about clouds.
Due to routine web maintenance, not all of the links will be accurate at the time
of access. If the link is not available, try to conduct a search on that topic from
the main site or from a search engine.
http://www.cis.hut.fi/~jucca/cloud/cloud.html
This site includes a cloud classifier. The classifier is a multispectral, vector-based classifier.
The classification of a satellite image is done in two phases. In the first phase clouds are
separated from the surface and in the second phase the cloudy regions are classified into
ten cloud types. The classifier is fully automatic, and it can be adapted
to changing situations with new examples.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcirrus.htm
This site has many links and includes a great deal of information about clouds. There are
photographs, descriptions, and related information about each type of cloud.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htm
This site gives a good overview of clouds as well as providing users with links to photos of
various types of clouds.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/research/wmodify.htm
There is excellent information here about the practical uses of cloud seeding.
http://www.stormguy.com/cloud1.htm
This is a good site with photos of clouds and descriptions of various types of clouds.
http://www.met.tamu.edu/class/Metr304/Exer10dir/clouds.html
This is a neat online activity for students. It reviews cloud information and provides an
opportunity for exploration. Students are asked to record information as it is discovered
while they are guided through the site.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/clouds/
At this site you will find teacher materials, background information, and printable
worksheets
http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadClouds.html
This site focuses on how clouds form. It includes many photos and images.
http://wildwildweather.com/clouds.htm
This site includes a cloud gallery with explanations about formations of different kinds of
clouds.
32
Clouds Video Quiz
Internet Sites
Additional
Resources
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/cldtyp/home.rxml
At this site, you will find information including creation of cloud names through the use of
prefixes and suffixes. There are also illustrations of types of clouds at specific altitudes.
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/weather/A0857399.html
This is a series of articles about clouds. The articles include classification of clouds
and climatic influence.
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/wwhlpr/condensation.rxml?hret=/gui
des/mtr/cld/cldtyp/home.rxml&prv=1
This site provides an interactive animation of condensation.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htm
This site focuses on understanding clouds and fog.
Clouds Video Quiz
33
Names:
Science Investigation Sheet

PURPOSE (problem):
What are you trying to find out? Write as a question, in a complete sentence.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
HYPOTHESIS:
What do you think will happen? Write as a complete sentence. Use the word because in
your response.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
MATERIALS:
What supplies and equipment will you need? Give exact amounts.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE:
How will you find an answer to your problem? Describe your plan. Use numbered steps.
Add illustrations, if appropriate.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
34
Clouds Video Quiz
Science Investigation Sheet (cont.)

COLLECTING AND INTERPRETING DATA:
What did you see happening during and by the end of your test? Choose 2 or more ways
to share your results: sentences, illustrations, graphs, charts, diagrams. Add additional
sheets of paper if necessary.
FORMING A CONCLUSION:
What did you learn? Answer the problem question. Use at least 2 sentences.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Clouds Video Quiz
35
Answer Key - Before Viewing Activity Sheet 3
What's the Truth?

Some of the statements below are true and some are false. Circle each statement that you
believe to be true. We will check these statements again after viewing the video.
After Viewing
Before Viewing
true/false
true/false
Clouds form in the stratosphere.
The thermosphere is extremely warm.
Where clouds form, there is moisture in the air.
The basic cloud types are cirrus and fluffy.
Cumulus and stratus clouds occur at low levels.
Aristotle was an early weather theorist.
The four components of weather

are water, air, fire, and earth.
Meteorologists are weather forecasters.
Precipitation happens when a cloud

releases any form of water.
All precipitation begins with a temperature change.
Clouds are slow moving and almost weightless.
36
Clouds Video Quiz
Clouds help us predict weather.
Humans can create rain.
Answer Key - Before Viewing Activity Sheet 4
Cloud Conundrum
Three factors work together to determine which type of cloud forms. Look
each word up in a dictionary and copy a definition that matches this subject.
Then, write a sentence telling how you think each factor changes a cloud.
temperature
degrees of hotness or coldness
________________________________________________________________________________
answers will vary

sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
moisture
water or other liquid causing wetness
________________________________________________________________________________
answers will vary

sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
elevation
height above the surface of the earth
________________________________________________________________________________
answers will vary

sentence:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
37
Clouds Video Quiz
Answer Key - During Viewing Activity Sheet 1
Cloud Concept Map

Listen to the information in the program for the three main types of clouds.
Write the names of each one in the three boxes below on the left. Add a brief description
and an illustration. In the boxes on the right, list and draw the types
of clouds that can be created from each of the main types of clouds. Add details
as to how each cloud is created.
(Note to teacher: video may have to be paused throughout this activity.)
cirrus curly or stringy and

occur very high in altitude
cirrocumulus cirrus broken into small,
fluffy pieces, 3 miles above the ground,

signal an approaching warm front
cirrostratus cirrus gradually spreads out,
stays above 3 miles, indicates coming rain
cumulus occur at rather low

levels, about one mile from the
ground, lumpy and clumped
together
altocumulus cumulus that break up in
several medium-sized clouds, rising to an

elevation between 1 and 3 miles
cumulonimbus cumulus that grow
to massive towers and rise in elevation

from just a few feet off the ground
to about 7 miles.
stratus occur at rather low

levels, about one mile from the
ground, thinly spread layer that
occurs just after a fog has lifted
altostratus stratus that thin out slightly
and rise to up to 3 miles, indicate rain or

snow for a long duration of time
stratocumulus stratus become fluffy and
heavy, stay at low elevation, indicate a cold

front
38
Clouds Video Quiz
Aspects of Aristotle
Listen for details about the work of Aristotle. Fill in the missing words and
numbers in the paragraph below, using what you hear and see in the video.
Greek
384
Aristotle was a ___________________
philosopher. He lived from ___________________
322
Meteorologica
to ___________________
B.C. His famous work was called ___________________.
water
Aristotle stated that the four basic components of weather were ___________________,
fire
air
earth
___________________
, ___________________,
and ___________________.
He was only
correct about half of these. The two actual components of weather from his list are
water
air
___________________
and ___________________.
***Do you think that the other two components impact weather? Explain your answer.
Answers will vary, but should incorporate
________________________________________________________________________________
an understanding of ideas from the video.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
39
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Seeding Flow Map

In the flow map below, list the steps that are taken when performing
cloud seeding.
Airplanes fly above and

below the clouds.
Airplanes release a
combination of chemicals
into the clouds extremely
cold carbon dioxide (dry ice)
and silver iodide.
The chemicals cause ice to

form in the clouds, acting as
a base from which large
water molecules can grow.
The water molecules form

the clouds precipitation.
40
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Appearances
In the video, you will find out how a cloud's effect on sunlight can tell what is inside. Show,
in words and in pictures, how this happens.
water droplets
__________________________________________________
reflected back into the atmosphere

The sun is: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________
darker and more

dismal in appearance
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

ice
__________________________________________________
The sun is: ________________________________________
allowed to pass through the
crystal shape
__________________________________________________
brighter
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
41
Clouds Video Quiz
Answer Key - After Viewing Activity Sheet 1
Summing Up
Read the information below to review cloud formation. Use the graphic organizer
at the bottom of the page to place the sequence of events for cloud formation in
a correctly completed diagram.
HOW CLOUDS ARE FORMED

Clouds are masses of water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air. When the
droplets or crystals become too heavy to remain suspended, they fall to the Earth. In order
for clouds to form, three things are needed. First, the relative humidity must be close to 100
percent. Second, tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present. (Water collects or
condenses around these particles.) Third, something must happen to cool the air. If all three
conditions exist, clouds form. The type of clouds that form depend on how cold the air is
and how much water is in the air.
relative humidity must be close to 100 percent
tiny bits of matter, such as dust, must be present for water to collect and
condense around these particles
something must cool the air
Cloud Formation
42
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Cloze
troposphere
stratosphere
cirrus
cumulus
stratus
temperature
layers
cumulonimbus
water
thermosphere
rain
cirrocumulus
altostratus
stratocumulus
fog
altocumulus
atmosphere
altitude
shapes
cirrostratus
mesosphere
clouds
Clouds
_________________________are
very important to our Earth because they bring
temperature
rain
_________________________,
relief from the hot sun, and ______________________
changes.
To
understand
clouds,
you
must
first
understand
the
layers
___________________
atmosphere
of the Earths _________________________.
Clouds form and become active in the
troposphere
_________________________
that extends seven miles from the ground up.
From seven
stratosphere
to thirty miles upward is the _________________________.
A minuscule amount
water
of ________________________
vapor or dust is found here.
The next layer is the
mesosphere
___________________________.
Planes cannot reach this layer because it is too high. Finally,
thermosphere
the __________________________
is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.
Clouds
____________________________
of varying shapes and size can be found within
the troposphere.
shapes
There are three main cloud _____________________________.
Cirrus
______________________
clouds are curly or stringy and occur very high in altitude, about 3
Cumulus
miles off the ground. _________________________
clouds occur at low levels and are lumpy
Stratus
and clumped together. ______________________
clouds are a thinly spread layer of clouds,
about one mile from the ground, that occur just after a fog has lifted. When a cirrus cloud
cirrostratus
begins to gradually spread out, it is called ___________________________.
However, when
43
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Cloze (cont.)

atmosphere
altitude
shapes
cirrostratus
mesosphere
clouds
troposphere
stratosphere
cirrus
cumulus
stratus
temperature
layers
cirrus
_________________________
clouds
cumulonimbus
water
thermosphere
rain
cirrocumulus
altostratus
stratocumulus
fog
altocumulus
break
into
small,
fluffy
pieces,
cirrocumulus
_________________________
clouds are formed. These clouds signal an approaching warm
altitude
front. Stratus clouds usually lie below one mile in ___________________
, but when they rise
altostratus
up to 3 miles above the ground, they are called _________________________.
And, when
stratocumulus
stratus clouds become increasingly fluffy and heavy they create _________________________
clouds.
Fog
fog
Even _________________________
is a cloud. _________________________
is
basically
to the ground.
low
forming
stratus
Cumulus clouds also change.
cloud
that
is
very
close
When these large billowing clouds
break up into several medium clouds and rise in elevation, they are called
altocumulus
_________________________.
Cumulus
___________________________
clouds can also grow to
cumulonimbus
massive towers called _________________________
clouds these are the rain bringing
clouds that begin a storm.
44
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Match-Up
Match each item with its description by writing the letter of the word
on the line before the matching description.
A. cloud
B. troposphere
C. stratosphere
D. mesosphere
E. thermosphere
F. cirrus
G. cumulus
H. stratus
I. cirrostratus
J. cirrocumulus
K. altostratus
L. stratocumulus
M. fog
N. altocumulus
O. cumulonimbus
P. meteorologist
Q. precipitation
R. cloud seeding
C 7 to 30 miles up in our atmosphere

___
L fluffy, heavy clouds that stay low in elevation
___
G lumpy clouds that occur below one mile from the ground
___
I sometimes causes a halo around the sun and indicates coming rain
___
R a way to create artificial precipitation
___
B the layer of the atmosphere where clouds become active
___
Q when a cloud releases water in any form
___
F curly or stringy clouds that occur about 3 miles off the ground
___
N formed when cumulus clouds break up into medium sized clouds and rise 1-3 miles
___
A bring rain, relief from hot sun, and temperature changes
___
P weather forecaster
___
D a plane cannot reach this layer of the atmosphere, but a large helium balloon can
___
M develops when moist air is cooled and the water vapor in air condenses
___
E temperatures in this layer range from 900 - 3000 degrees Fahrenheit
___
J form when cirrus clouds break into small fluffy pieces
___
K an increase in these clouds usually indicates rain or snow for a long time
___
H clouds that are thinly spread and occur just after a fog lifts
___
O form when cumulus clouds grow to massive towers
___
45
Clouds Video Quiz
Cloud Vocabulary
Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with
the same number.
M E
SOHEMEPRES
12
MORHESTEPREH
13
R M O S
M O
ETMORSUI
MUPREETETRA
15
A T
V A
TEENOVLIA
THERMOSPHERE
STRATOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
TEMPERATURE
METEOROLOGIST
CIRRUS
CUMULUS
FOG
MESOSPHERE
STRATUS
PRECIPITATION
CLOUD
ELEVATION
MOISTURE
RUCRIS
U S
11
C U M U
MCSULUU
TURSATS
U S
A T
U S
FGO
O G
8
LOOMIGTEREOTS
C L
O U D
RITPIATENPOIC
A T
M O S
A T O S
E O R O L O G
UDCOL
SARMETEPHO
14
PESOAHERRSTT
16
O N
10
Where do clouds occur?
46
Clouds Video Quiz
T
3
H
4
E
5
R
6
O P O S
7
10
11 12 13 14 15 16
Answer Key - After Viewing Quiz
Clouds Quiz
1. In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds and weather occur?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the warmest from the suns radiation?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
3. A cloud is formed by __________.
a. wind and ice
b. condensed water molecules
c. expanded water molecules
d. warm air and wind
4. The current classification system for clouds is in what language?
a. Greek
b. English
c. Latin
d. Spanish
5. Which two types of clouds occur about one mile from the ground?
6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller, fluffier clouds,
it becomes which type of cloud?
a. Cirrocumulus
b. Cirrostratus
c. Altocumulus
d. Stratocumulus
7. Lots of altostratus clouds result in __________.
a. fog and mist
b. rain or snow
c. sunshine
d. no precipitation
8. For fog to form, what two characteristics must the air have?
a. Moist and cool
b. Dry and cool
c. Moist and warm
d. Dry and warm
47
Clouds Video Quiz
Clouds Quiz (cont.)

a. Stratocumulus
b. Altocumulus
c. Cumulonimbus
d. Cirrocumulus
10. The __________ of each cloud indicates the approaching
weather conditions.
a. size
b. shape
c. speed
d. color
11. _________________ is the study of weather.
a. Meteorology
b. Cloudology
c. Weatherology
d. Radiology
a. Democritus
b. Socrates
c. Aristotle
13. Weather predictions become more accurate with the help
of which type of technology?
a. Television
b. Computers
c. Walkmans
d. Video Games
a. By reading cloud formations b. By reading an almanac
15. What is one factor that determines the form of precipitation?
a. Wind speed
d. Time of day
16. Which of the following is not a type of precipitation?
a. Rain
b. Sleet
c. Snow
d. Dust
48
Clouds Video Quiz
Clouds Quiz (cont.)

a. The sun
c. Wind speed
d. Gravity
18. How much does an average cumulus cloud weigh?
a. 100 grams
b. 200 grams
c. 5000 grams
19. Which technique induces the release of precipitation from a cloud?
a. Meteorology
b. Cloud seeding
c. Cloud harvesting
d. Rain harvesting
49
Clouds Video Quiz
Script
CAST
Professor Science ..............................................................host
Victor Velocity ....................................................racecar driver
Wendy River ................................................................cowgirl
Quizitor ............................................................................robot
Quiz Clown......................................................................clown
Star Struck ..................................................................reporter
Salty Gales ......................................................................pirate
Fizzle ................................................................................genie
Nuke Rockney ................................................................coach
Sandy Space ..............................................................astronaut
Ricky Wave ..........................................................................DJ
S CENE O NE
PROFESSOR SCIENCE
Hello and welcome to the Science Video Quiz. My name is PROFESSOR SCIENCE.
Today, we are going to discuss clouds! Clouds can bring all kinds of different weather
conditions, fluffy snow to play in, and cold ice storms to watch from
your window, and sometimes-dreary days filled with rain. But what controls clouds?
Why do clouds form? I will answer those questions, along with many others! Are you
ready? Lets go!
Clouds are very important to our Earth for many reasons. They bring rain, relief from
the hot sun, and temperature changes. However, to understand how this happens you
have to learn some cloud basics! Like for instance, there are four layers of the
atmosphere: The troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
Clouds form and become active in the troposphere, which is from the
ground to seven miles upward. From, seven to thirty miles upward is the
stratosphere. A miniscule amount of water vapor or dust is found here
since the air from the troposphere and stratosphere do not mix very much.
Planes cannot reach the mesosphere because it is too high; however, a
very large helium balloon can. It is quite cold here, about 90 degrees below
Fahrenheit. Lastly, the thermosphere is about fifty miles up and extremely warm.
Temperatures range from 930 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit because
of the suns intense radiation. Wow now thats hot!
So,we know that clouds occur in the troposphere. And that weather conditions develop
in this active layer of Earths atmosphere. But maybe we should be
asking another question, like: What is a cloud?
50
Clouds Video Quiz
Script
Scientists have found two factors that are always present in the formation
of clouds. Wherever a cloud forms, there must be moisture in the air! And,
at decreased temperatures, that invisible moisture will condense into a visible liquid.
That liquid is a cloud.
Clouds of varying sizes, shapes, and levels can be found within the troposphere. There
are three main cloud shapes. No, theyre not grouped by what they resemble, (cut to
a car shaped cloud). Each shape gets its name from a Latin word, the language used
for many scientific systems. The current system of classifying clouds is important
because the name not only tells you the shape
of the cloud, but also its elevation.
S CENE T WO
PROFESSOR SCIENCE
Here are the basic shapes and their Latin names. Cirrus clouds are curly or stringy
and occur very high in altitude, about 3 miles above ground. Because
they are primarily made up of ice crystals, their location indicates a distant
storm whose cold winds have created them. The other two shapes, cumulus
and stratus occur rather at low levels, about one mile from the ground.
Stratus clouds are a thinly spread layer that occur just after a fog has lifted,
while cumulus clouds are lumpy and clumped together.
Scientists have taken these three basic shapes and added Latin suffixes
to describe changes in the clouds shape and elevation. When a cirrus
cloud begins to gradually spread out, it is called cirrostratus, which
stays above 3 miles. A halo around the sun, caused by the clouds
ice crystals, indicates the coming of rain usually within 24 hours.
However, cirrus clouds sometimes break into small, fluffy pieces, called cirrocumulus
clouds. These also occur 3 miles above the ground, and
signal an approaching warm front.
Stratus clouds, usually lying below one mile in altitude, can thin out
slightly, and rise to an elevation of up to 3 miles. These clouds are
called altostratus. An increase in altostratus clouds usually indicates
rain or snow for long duration of time.
The opposite effect, stratus becoming increasingly fluffy and heavy, creates
stratocumulus clouds, which stay at a low elevation. These clouds are a precursor
to an approaching cold front.
And did you know that fog is a cloud? Thats right! Fog is basically a low forming
Clouds Video Quiz
51
Script
stratus cloud that is very close to the ground. Fog mainly occurs in areas with cool,
moist air. For example, areas that have great amounts of fog tend to be near water
because the air is moist and the temperature falls over night. When moist air is
cooled, the water vapor in the air condenses and develops a fog.
The fog cloud is then warmed away by the mid-day sun.
This type of fog is called ground fog. Believe it or not, just as there
are many different types of clouds, there are many different types
of fog. The location and the environmental conditions of the area
determine which type of fog forms.
Finally, large, billowing structures known as cumulus clouds occur below one mile.
When these clouds break up into several medium-sized clouds, they rise
to an elevation between 1 and 3 miles above sea level. They are known as
altocumulus.
Cumulus clouds can also grow to massive towers known as cumulonimbus clouds.
This large cloud structure ranges in elevation from just a few feet off
the ground to about 7 miles high. These are the rain bringing clouds that
begin a storm.
Wow! I hope you were listening carefully because is time to test what
weve learned so far with some questions about clouds. Good luck!
S CENE T HREE
VICTOR VELOCITY
Vroom, Vroom, Vroom!!!!!!!!!! Time for a quick pit stop and a question for you!
1. In which layer of the atmosphere
do clouds and weather occur?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
What do you think? Hurry and write an answer. Time for me to get back on track and
do another lap!
WENDY RIVER
Whoa! All of this weather talk is making my horse happy he loves rain!
52
Clouds Video Quiz
Script
2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the
warmest from the suns radiation?
a. Troposphere
b. Stratosphere
c. Mesosphere
d. Thermosphere
Well, pardners, how did you do? Be sure to write down your answer while I mosey on
over to my horse. Whoa, Nelly!
QUIZITOR
Hi! I am Quizitor. I was just calculating the height of a small cumulus cloud as it gains
water vapor and mass...but anyway, see if you can answer this:
3. A cloud is formed by:
a. Wind and ice
b. Condensed water molecules
c. Expanded water molecules
d. Warm air and wind
Hmmm. I will use my processors for that one. Use yours too and write down a
response. Logging off
QUIZ CLOWN
Hello! Youll never believe the number of requests I get for cloud shaped balloons!
While I perfect my shaping abilities, try this one.
4. The current classification system
for clouds is in what language?
a. Greek
b. English
c. Latin
d. Spanish
I would say the answer is in the clouds, but thats what were talking about.
So, write down an answer (balloon pops) while I get some more balloons.
STAR STRUCK
Star Struck here at the opening of another fabulous movie.
Its All About Clouds by the hot new director, Strato Sphere.
Clouds Video Quiz
53
Script
5. Which two types of clouds occur

about one mile from the ground?
What do you think? Get your answer on paper while I try to snag
an interview with Mr. Sphere. Yu-hew, Mr. Sphere, over here.
SALTY GALES
Ill let you sail the ocean blue, but only if youre able to predict the weather! Prove
yourself with this one!
6. When a cirrus cloud breaks up into smaller,
fluffier clouds, it becomes which type of cloud?
a. Cirrocumulus
b. Cirrostratus
c. Altocumulus
d. Stratocumulus
If you know that, youre already a cloud-expert. Write yer
answer down, matey, and Ill see you at the next dock!
FIZZLE
If its three wishes you ask for, all you must do is answer me correctly
good luck!
7. An increased number of altostratus clouds indicates
__________ for a long period of time.
a. Fog and mist
b. Rain or snow
c. Sunshine
d. No precipitation
How did you do? Pick one and write it down. Im being summoned.
54
Clouds Video Quiz
Script
Time for me to evaporate
NUKE ROCKNEY
Were ahead now, keep up the good work, and the game will be ours!
Try this one now!
8. For fog to form, what two characteristics
must the air have?
a. Moist and cool
b. Dry and cool
c. Moist and warm
d. Dry and warm
OK team. What do you think? Get an answer down and lets move, move, move! You
can do it!
SANDY SPACE
Hi, Sandy Space here. You might think that because Im out of the Earths atmosphere I
dont know anything about clouds. Well, I do; its just that they look really different
from up here.
a. Stratocumulus
b. Altocumulus
c. Cumulonimbus
d. Cirrocumulus
Any idea? Great! Write down an answer while I check my controls.
Ground control. Sandy Space. Just wanted to let you know that
I see some cloud activity above the Rockies. Rain developing.
RICKY WAVE
Hello guys and gals; Ricky Wave broadcasting live from SQRD- science quiz
radio. Its time to hear the swingin tunes of the Cloudettes! And away we go!
10. The __________ of each cloud indicates
the approaching weather conditions.
a. Size
b. Shape
c. Speed
d. Color
Clouds Video Quiz
55
Script
How was it? Could you dance to that one? OK, maybe not, but youve got your
answer down and were ready for Professor Science again. This is Ricky Wave signing
off!
S CENE F OUR
PROFESSOR SCIENCE
Welcome back! Its time for more cloud facts! The study of the Earths weather
conditions and cycles have long been the focus of many scientists investigations. One
of the earliest weather theorists was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who lived from
384-322 BC. In his famous work called Meteorologica, he stated that water, air, fire
and earth were the four basic components of weather. He was correct about two of
the factors, water and air!
Today, weather forecasters, known as meteorologists, read the sky using the cloud
information you just learned. With the help of computer-aided instruments,
meteorology has become an exact science!
Just as meteorologists did before computers, we can make simple assumptions about
upcoming weather conditions by observing the clouds. Clouds have particular shapes,
and exist at different altitudes because the air around that surrounds them.
For instance, a meteorologist could look at a cirrus cloud and know the approximate
temperature of its area. Because cirrus clouds are made up of ice crystals, they are
usually found in cold weather and appear approximately 3 miles above the ground.
If that cirrus cloud has a mare tail, a streak coming down from the cloud, then the
ice crystals are being released, probably in the form of snow.
Knowing those important pieces of information, the meteorologist can predict a
temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Can you believe all of this weather
information comes from just looking at a cloud?!
When a cloud releases any form of water: whether it is rain, sleet, snow or hail, it is
called precipitation. All precipitation begins with a temperature change. Water
vapor in the air cools and condenses, creating a cloud. The condensed water
molecules are usually in the form of ice, but we dont always get snow. When the
ground temperature is much warmer than the temperature of the cloud, we get rain,
sleet, wet snow, or hail. However, when the ground temperature is closer to the cloud
temperature, thin sheets of ice crystals and snow fall. So really, the type of
precipitation your area receives depends on the ground temperature!
56
Clouds Video Quiz
Script
S CENE F IVE
PROFESSOR SCIENCE
One of the most popular misconceptions of clouds is that they are slow moving and
almost weightless. How often have you seen a cartoon featuring big white fluffy
clouds that easily break apart and float away? Real clouds are not like that! Clouds
move with the wind currents. That means, if the wind is blowing southeast at 50
miles per hour, then the cloud is moving southeast at 50 miles per hour. Of course,
clouds dont appear to be moving that fast, because we see them from a distance.
Now, think about a cloud floating in the sky, far above us. It looks soft and pillowy,
like its floating on air. Well, it is. But clouds arent exactly light. Clouds are air masses
with condensed water molecules. Cumulus clouds can weigh 500 million grams! Thats
550 tons! Unbelievable! Of course, that weight is spread over a large area. It seems
impossible that air can hold that much weight. Actually, the warmer air is, the more it
can hold.
Have you ever heard of a rain dance? Do think that human beings can really make
clouds release their precipitation when its needed? We actually can! For thousands of
years, people have tried everything to create rain on demand.
In the last forty years, scientific experimentation has created a method called cloud
seeding. Cloud Seeding was developed with a foundation in chemistry. It is a way
to encourage tiny cloud droplets to grow large enough to become rain or snow! This
method of artificial precipitation is commonly used over mountain ranges when
small amounts of snow have fallen in the winter season.
Cloud seeding is also used to increase rain from summer clouds to
avoid drought. Most recently, inducing rain earlier than a cloud would
naturally has been an effective way of avoiding damaging amounts of hail.
Now, how is this done you ask? Well, scientists have determined that
extremely cold carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice, and a compound
called Silver Iodide cause ice crystals to form in clouds, thus acting as a
base from which large water molecules can grow. These water molecules
are the clouds precipitation. Once the clouds are completely filled with
large molecules, the water is released!
But, how do the water causing compounds get into the sky? Airplanes
can fly above and below the clouds to release the chemicals into the
clouds. Thats what we call weather modification!
Clouds Video Quiz
57
Script
Besides being able to predict weather conditions, a clouds effect on sunlight
can tell us whats inside. Heres what I mean, when a cloud is filled with water
droplets, more sunlight is reflected back into the atmosphere. The Earth is then darker
and more dismal in appearance. But, when clouds are filled with ice,
their crystal shape allows more sunlight through the cloud to reach the ground.
Whew! Time for a few more questions? Get your pens and papers ready here come questions 11 through 20! Good luck!
S CENE S IX
VICTOR VELOCITY
Vrooom!! Screeech!!! Hey! Were in the last leg of our cloud adventure!
Show me what youre made of!
11. _______________ is the study of weather.
a. Meteorology
b. Cloudology
c. Weatherology
d. Radiology
What do you think? Pick an answer and write it down.
Lets shift into high gear for the next lap!
STAR STRUCK
Hi, everyone, Star Struck at the latest premiere. I always want to be the first
at these events so I can see the really big superstars. Speaking of being first,
do you know the answer to this
a. Democritus
b. Socrates
c. Aristotle
Im sure you know the answer. Write it down while I get an autograph.
Mr. Cruise over here!
NUKE ROCKNEY
This is the homestretch here! Think and react carefully!
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Clouds Video Quiz
Script
13. Weather predictions become more accurate
with the help of which type of technology?
a. Television
b. Computers
c. Walkmans
d. Video games
Very interesting. Maybe I could use technology in my workoutsLet me think about
that while you write down your answer. Hmmm. I could videotape the drills, and
monitor their lifts
QUIZ CLOWN
Im prepared for anything! Sun, rain, sleet, snow, anything! Are you?
a. By reading cloud formations
b. By reading an almanac
I dont know, how can a meteorologist predict weather conditions?!
Do you know the answer? Well, write it down then and lets move
on. Its getting a little warm in here
WENDY RIVER
Yippie-kai-aye-yaya! Howdy! Time for me to ask you another knee-slapping question.
15. What is one factor that determines
the form of precipitation?
a. Wind speed
d. Time of day
Get yer pencils or pens movin! Its time for me to mosey on out of here.
Good luck, yall!
FIZZLE
Ive come quite a long way just to offer you the chance of winning
your own genie good luck!
Clouds Video Quiz
59
Script
16. Which of the following is not
a type of precipitation?
a. Rain
b. Sleet
c. Snow
d. Dust
And Ive been through all of them! Make sure to write down your answer
while I disappear.
SALTY GALES
Hello fellow sailors! You can take wheel of my all mighty ship
if you can answer this question correctly!

a. The sun
c. Wind speed
d. Gravity
Aye, maties, that be a tough one. Im sure you know the answer,
so write it down. Time for me to get the crew in ship shape!
RICKY WAVE
Hey, guys and gals, DJ Ricky Wave comin to you live from SQRDscience quiz radio. Its time for the next fabulous question!
18. How much does an average
cumulus cloud weigh?
a. 100 grams
b. 200 grams
c. 5,000 grams
Whoa! Thats heavy! Think about that one and write down your answer.
Stay tuned for the next question!
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Clouds Video Quiz
Script
SANDY SPACE
Hi everyone. Time again from another question thats out of this world!
19. Which technique induces the release
of precipitation from a cloud?
a. Meteorology
b. Cloud Seeding
c. Cloud Harvesting
d. Rain Harvesting
Hmm. What do you think? Ive never tried it, but it sounds like fun.
So write down an answer and lets zoom to the next question!
QUIZITOR
Hello. I am Quizitor. Time to download another question for you.
Stand by
Can you recall the answer? Please write it down and await further instructions from
Professor Science. That is all.
S CENE S EVEN
PROFESSOR SCIENCE
You all were great! I have really enjoyed our cloud lesson! I hope you
learned some interesting facts and some basics to help you read the
clouds in the sky near you! Remember to stay tuned after the video
if you want to check you answers that way youll be able to see
just how well you did! See you next time!
ANSWERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
a. Clouds and weather occur in the troposphere.

d. The thermosphere is the warmest layer of the atmosphere.
b. A cloud is a formation of condensed water molecules.
c. The current cloud classification system uses Latin terms.
b. Stratus and cumulus clouds occur one mile from the ground
Clouds Video Quiz
61
Script
6. a. Cirrocumulus are formed when a cirrus cloud breaks into smaller, fluffier clouds.
7. b. Rain or snow result from increasing amounts of altostratus clouds.
8. a. Air needs to be moist and cool for fog to form.
9. c. Cumulonimbus clouds bring rain.
10. b. The shape of a cloud indicates the weather conditions.
11. a. Meteorology is the study of weather.
12. c. Aristotle was an early weather forecaster.
13. b. Computers greatly aided the accuracy of weather forecasting.
14. a. Reading cloud formations helps meteorologists
predict weather conditions.
15. c. Ground temperature is one factor that determines the form of precipitation.
16. d. Dust is not a form of precipitation.
17. c. Wind speed determines how fast a cloud moves.
18. d. The average cumulus cloud weighs about 500 million grams.
19. b. Cloud seeding induces the release of precipitation.
20. a. Silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice)
are two compounds used in cloud seeding.
62
Clouds Video Quiz

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Teachers Guide

2004 Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

About This Guide

This guide is divided into the following sections:

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

Name and describe the layers of Earths atmosphere.

Name and describe the basic cloud types.

Use measurable terms to show how clouds change and

Use measurable terms to show how meteorologists use

Describe the relationship between clouds

Correlation With the National Science Foundation:

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Cloud Fast Facts

Clouds bring all kinds of different weather

Stratocumulus clouds are formed when

The mesosphere is very cold, about 90

Fog is a low-forming stratus cloud that is

The thermosphere is about 50 miles

Altocumulus clouds are formed when

The two factors that affect the formation of

Cumulonimbus clouds are massive towers

Clouds Video Quiz

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

What Do You Think?

What is a cloud? ________________________________

What controls clouds?____________________________

Why do clouds form? ____________________________

Are there different kinds of clouds? ________________

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

What's the Truth?

Clouds form in the stratosphere.

The thermosphere is extremely warm.

Where clouds form, there is moisture in the air.

The basic cloud types are cirrus and fluffy.

Cumulus and stratus clouds occur at low levels.

Aristotle was an early weather theorist.

Clouds are slow moving and almost weightless.

Clouds help us predict weather.

Humans can create rain.

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

Cloud Concept Map

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

Cloud Seeding Flow Map

Clouds Video Quiz

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

When a cloud contains: ____________________________

When a cloud contains: ____________________________

Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Clouds Video Quiz

HOW CLOUDS ARE FORMED

Even _ is a cloud. _ is