This "Theme Page" has links to two types of resources related to the study of clouds. Students and teachers will find curricular resources (information, content...) to help them learn about this topic. In addition, there are also links to instructional materials (lesson plans) which will help teachers provide instruction in this theme. Please read our disclaimer.

All About Clouds

USA Today has a series of hyper-linked articles on clouds. Topics covered include: types of clouds, interrelationships between stability and clouds, and how clouds influence weather.

AskERIC Lesson Plans: Meteorology

The above link is to AskEric's Meteorology page where you'll find plenty of lessons about the weather if you wish to browse/search their site yourself. Or, use the links below to go directly to some lesson plans specifically about on clouds.

• Cloud Types A lesson plan for Grade 5 students. Students will be able to identigy and describe four different cloud types (cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and cumulus).
  
• Clouds A multidisciplinary lesson for grdes 4-6 that not only teaches them about clouds but can encourage abstract thinking, writing and painting.
  
• Weather Forecasting Grade 6-8 students learn abaout basic cloud formations in this unit on forecasting weather.

[The] Cloud Case

WeatherEye, a public service of KGAN presents this interactive lesson for grades 5 to 8 students (teacher's guide).

Cloud Formation

A lab experiment through which students can determine how clouds are formed.

Cloud Gallery

This site provides different photographs of clouds that students may download, use, and/or adapt as they wish.

Clouds and Precipitation

From the University of Illinois: "The purpose of this module is to introduce a number of cloud classifications, different types of precipitation, and the mechanisms responsible for producing them."

Clouds: One Key to Foretelling the Weather

This tutorial from Environment Canada gives brief explanations on how various types of clouds are formed as well as pictures of sixteen types.

How the Weatherworks: Activities, Experiments and Investigations

Activities that can be used to study the shape and color of clouds.

PSC Meteorology Program Cloud Boutique

A general cloud reference source with detailed pictures.

[A] Review of Theoretical and Observational Studies in Cloud and Precipitation Physics: 1991-1994

The content at this site is presented at a somewhat advanced level but it should be appropriate for high school students. Topics include: various types of clouds; electrification of clouds; clouds as components in the global climate system ; possible influence of cloud condensation on climate; acid rain and cloud chemistry, and more.

Tips for Painting Clouds

Just what a teacher needs for a multi-disciplinary unit on clouds.

Note: The sites listed above will serve as a source of curricular content in Clouds. For other resources in Science (e.g., curricular content in Earth Science, General Science, Life Science, or Physical Science), or for lesson plans and theme pages, click the "previous screen" button below. Or, click here if you wish to return directly to the CLN menu which will give you access to educational resources in all of our subjects.