So, maybe we’re a little cloud-obsessed over here, but I was talking to a friend about Meredith’s Cloud Cake Project, and remembered a related, but simpler, and significantly less sticky, project. Plus, this one requires minimal supplies: construction paper, cotton balls, and glue.
Though this particular project mimics what Meredith already accomplished with her cake, it can also easily modify to include cloud observation activities kids of all ages can do independently.
Cirrus Clouds | Source
By simply walking out our front door, we can observe the clouds in all their glory. Take a camera and pop off shots to download on a computer later, or if it’s a pretty day, take a paper and pencil on the driveway so kids can sketch what they see.
Altocumulus Clouds | Source
Depending on their age, as well as sketching, students can write (or dictate) descriptions of what they see. I like to bring in writing skills whenever possible, but if this is more than you want to bite off, just keep it simple.
Stratocumulus Clouds | Source
It may be wise to observe for multiple days letting kids see how the clouds look in different types of weather.
Cumulus Clouds | Source
Depending on how long the project is extended, kids can use cotton balls to mimic what they’ve directly observed and sketched right above their home.
Nimbostratus Clouds | Source
Visit Wikipedia to observe some beautiful cloud formations; some of which I’ve never even observed. In fact, last week in the comments, Tulip gave a link to The Morning Glory Cloud, which is amazing in it’s own right.
You can also take advantage of the free Cloud Types download from last week, and see how many cloud types can be seen of the eleven included in the download.
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.