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:

1. Students will become familiar with identifying clouds on satellite images.


2. Student will be able to predict weather using satellite images, weather maps, and
   other weather data over a series of four days as a low pressure area passes north
   or south of two predetermined locations.

Rationale:
To associate cloud types and satellite images of clouds with daily weather patterns.

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

Time Requirement:
One 40–50 minute period

Image Format:
APT

Prerequisite Skills:
Students should be able to:

1. Identify cloud types they can see from the satellite images;


2. Identify typical weather associated with cloud types;


3. Access a satellite image from the computer bank; and


4. Identify cloud types associated with fronts.

Vocabulary:
air pre s s u re (millibar/inches), clouds (alto, cirrus, cumulonimbus, cumulus, nimbostratus,
stratus), cold front, erosion, precipitation, stationary front, temperature, warm front, wind

Materials:

1. Series of satellite images for four consecutive days stored in a computer bank, or
   photographs of visible and infrared satellite images for four consecutive days


2. Cloud identification chart


3. student worksheet


4. Newspaper weather maps for four consecutive days or a video of four consecutive
   days of weather maps from the Weather Channel

Preparation:
Before beginning the student activities the instructor should:

1. Obtain visible and infrared satellite images and newspaper or television weather
   maps on video for four consecutive days. The images and weather maps should
   show a typical comma cloud formation; and


2. Label point A to the north of the low pressure area on the images and maps, and
   label point B to the south of the low pressure area on the images and maps.

CL O U D ID E N T I F I C AT I O N