243ctivities- Divide students into cooperative learning groups (each group has five roles to fill).
- Pass out one to each group.
- Each group divides up the tasks listed at the bottom of the data sheet (chairperson,
recorder, traveler, reporter, researcher). - Teacher randomly gives one satellite image to each group as well as a
- After analysis of the satellite image, the group decides which five cloud facts they
should receive from the teacher. Making multiple sets of the cards will ensure that
each group decides which cards they want, rather than choosing by default. The
card types describe: appearance, temperature, source card, associated weather,
and vertical development. - After reviewing their five cloud fact cards, the group must decide which, if any, of
the fact cards pertain to the cloud indicated on their satellite image. Do research
from provided materials, allow ten minutes for research. - When it is determined which cards are needed or not needed, students may
choose to trade cards with other groups through the traveler — to obtain the cards
they need. - The traveler may approach other groups which have determined the cards they
need and make trades for cards to complete the data sheet. - When all fact cards are collected, the recorder should complete the data sheet and
arrange the fact cards in the order on the data sheet. - The reporter for each group, in turn, names the group’s cloud and reads each
cloud fact card (start with cumulus and go through each stage, ending with dissi-
pating cumulonimbus). - Data sheets and fact cards are turned into the teacher for grading.
Extensions:
On the day following this activity, discuss in detail with the class the formation of light-
ning, tornadoes, hail, and the damage they inflict.Investigate multi-cell and/or super-cell thunderstorms.