T/G Layout 1

Authors:
Angeline Black, Kenmoor Middle School, Landover, Maryland
Renee Henderson, Forestville High School, Forestville, Maryland
Karen Mattson, Ballenger Creek Middle School, Frederick, Maryland
Allen White, New Market Middle School, New Market, Maryland

Grade Level: 6–8

Objectives:
Students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the four major cloud families: high, middle, low, and
   vertically developed; and


2. Associate cloud families and satellite images with daily weather patterns.

Relevant Disciplines:
Earth and space science, meteorology, photography, art, computer science

Time Requirement:
2–4 class periods

Image Format:
APT and GOES

Prerequisite Skills:
Students should be able to:

1. Identify cloud families they can see from the ground;


2. Identify cloud families from visible and infrared satellite images;


3. Identify typical weather associated with cloud families;


4. Operate a camera; and


5. Access a satellite image from the computer bank.

Vocabulary:
alto, cirrus, cumulonimbus, cumulus, stratus

Materials:

1. 35mm camera and/or Polaroid camera


2. Satellite cloud identification chart


3. Poster board


4. Construction paper


5. Glue, scissors, cotton, markers


6. Satellite images - computer bank


7. Photos of clouds - camera or magazines


8. Telex or slides of satellite images (20 or more)


9. Worksheet:

Preparation:
Before beginning the student activities the teacher should:

1. Obtain visible and infrared satellite images (about 20) illustrating a variety of low,
   middle, high and vertically developed clouds.

CL O U D FA M I L I E S