Today, you’re going to become a cloud detective and observe real clouds in the sky, just like the artist Simon Denis did! In this activity, you will keep a cloud journal and observe the sky to spot different types of clouds. This activity will help you understand how clouds form and what that means about weather.
Cloud Spotting Adventure
K-12 Resource: Activity
Become a cloud detective and observe real clouds
Project Details
- Grade Level K-5
- Subject Science, Art
- Activity Type Observation, Journaling, Drawing
About
Learning Objectives
Materials Needed
- Notebook or journal
- Pencils or colored pencils
- Access to outdoor space (such as a playground or backyard) or images or videos of cloudy skies
- Cloud Identification Guide
- Dichotomous Key, Clouds and Weather
Assignment
Watch Video
Watch Cloudy with a Chance of Classical Art. Note what different clouds you see in the video.
Create Your Cloud Journal
Take out your notebook or journal and label it as your Cloud Journal. This will be your special place to record all your cloud observations.
Learn About Clouds
Use the Cloud Identification Guide to review the different types of clouds, such as cumulus, cirrus, and cumulonimbus. This will help you familiarize yourself with these cloud types and the weather they bring.
Go Cloud Spotting
Head outside to an open area where you can see the sky clearly. Look up at the sky and observe the clouds. Pay attention to their shapes, sizes, colors, and movements. If there are no clouds, what do you think that means about the weather?
If you are inside, look for clouds in books, TV shows, or movies.
Record Your Observations
Use your journal to document what you see. Draw sketches of the clouds you observe and write descriptions of their characteristics. Include details such as whether they are fluffy or thin, white or gray, and high in the sky or close to the ground.
Cloud Journal Sample
Make Predictions
Based on your observations, make predictions about the weather. Use the Dichotomous Key Handout to help you with your predictions. Do certain types of clouds seem to be associated with specific weather conditions, such as rain or wind? Write down your predictions in your journal.
Were your predictions correct? Mark your correct predictions in your journal.
Cloud Watching Adventures
Whenever you have the chance, continue to observe and document clouds in your journal. Take your journal with you on walks, when viewing from your window, or on trips to the park, and see how the clouds change over time.
Reflect on Your Findings
Periodically review your cloud journal and reflect on your observations. Notice any patterns or changes in the clouds over time. Consider how your observations relate to the weather patterns.
Share Your Discoveries
Share your cloud journal and observations with your classmates, friends, or family members. You can discuss your findings and learn from each other’s observations.
By keeping a cloud journal and engaging in cloud spotting, you’ve become a skilled cloud observer and weather detective! Keep exploring the wonders of the sky and the beauty of clouds.
Related Materials
Cloud Identification Guide
PDF
Learn to identify different types of clouds
Dichotomous Key: Clouds and Weather
PDF
Identify common types of clouds and the weather they may indicate
Design Your Weather-Inspired Outfit
Design an outfit that is suitable for specific weather
Meet Simon Denis
Read about an artist who enjoyed painting the clouds in the skies outside
Extensions
- Write some cloud-inspired poetry in your journal to go along with the clouds.
- Make an “Official Weather Detective” badge at the end of the adventure.
Suggested Modifications
For younger students, teachers can label the notebooks ahead of time.