How Clouds are Made
Summary
In this chemistry lesson, kindergarten students will investigate how clouds are formed. We will read the book "Sector 7" by David Wiesner, which first presents types of clouds to students and how they are formed. Students will then watch a demonstration done by the teacher that creates a cloud in a bottle. Students will draw what they saw in the bottle and have a discussion about how clouds are formed. They will also go outside and look at clouds. They will create a picture of what the clouds look like to them.
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Learning Goals
This is designed as a basic lesson for kindergartens to be introduced to clouds and weather. The teacher will lead a guided discovery lesson and the students will be encouraged to inquire about things they are curious about and questions they would have. They will make observations and try to achieve critical thinking about what clouds are made of.
Context for Use
This is a kindergarten lesson and a demonstration done by the teacher. There will also be a field exercise, as students will get outside to observe actual clouds and what they look like. It will take approximately 30 minutes for the indoors portion of the activity and then additional time outdoors. The only prior knowledge needed for this lesson is that students know what a cloud is. It would be very easy to adapt this lesson for students who have a greater understanding of clouds and additional lessons could be done for extension.
Description and Teaching Materials
Materials needed are the book "Sector 7" by David Wiesner, a two-liter bottle (clear), water, and matches. The teacher needs to present the lesson by asking what students know about clouds. Prior knowledge should be assessed before continuing. First, the book should be read. Many discussions can be had throughout the book as there are no words in the story. It is comprised entirely of pictures. The students should actually lead the discussion of what is going on in the story and how they would like to see where clouds are made. Students should be guided in their inquiry of the story to discuss the actual way clouds are formed. After the book is read, the teacher should do the demonstration of creating a cloud in the bottle. The teacher should first fill the bottom of the two-liter bottle with water. Light a match, blow it out and let the smoke blow into the bottle. Then drop the match into the bottle. Immediately tighten the cap to the bottle. Squeeze the sides for a few seconds and then let go. A cloud should form within the bottle that the students can see. There are multiple ways to create a cloud in the bottle. Teachers can also find examples online that might work better for them. Students will be encouraged to squeeze the bottle themselves to "make" a cloud. To incorporate other disciplines, students will be asked to draw on black paper, what they think the cloud in a bottle looks like. They will also be able to draw what shape they would make a cloud into. To end the lesson, we will go outside to view clouds and enjoy the different shapes that children can see within the clouds.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Assessment
There will be informal assessment throughout the lesson as the students ask questions and describe what they see. They will also be assessed on their drawing of clouds. They will be assessed on their observations from the outdoor exploration.
Standards
The standard is Kindergarten, Earth and Space Science, The Water Cycle, Weather, and Climate, and the standard is the student will observe weather changes. The specific benchmark is "The student will describe daily and seasonal changes in weather."