Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn about clouds and the weather they bring. It’s fun to look at clouds and imagine different shapes, but did you know they can also tell us about the weather? Let’s explore the three main types of clouds and what kind of weather they usually mean.
Stratus Clouds: These clouds look like a big, fluffy blanket spread across the sky. They form closer to the ground than other clouds. When you see stratus clouds, it usually means a cloudy and drizzly day is ahead.
Cumulus Clouds: These are the fluffy clouds that make great shapes for cloud watching. On a bright sunny day, you’ll often see white, puffy cumulus clouds. However, if they grow tall and turn gray, they might bring thunder and lightning.
Cirrus Clouds: These clouds are thin and wispy, like ribbons high up in the sky. When you see cirrus clouds, it often means nice, dry weather is coming.
Now that we know about the different clouds, let’s create a fun memory game to test what we’ve learned. Here’s what you’ll need: a piece of paper, crayons or colored pencils, and scissors. Remember to ask a grown-up for help with the scissors!
First, cut out four squares for each type of cloud: one for stratus, one for fluffy white cumulus, one for tall dark gray cumulus, and one for cirrus. Draw each cloud type on its own card.
Next, cut out four more squares for different types of weather. Draw a sun on two cards for sunny days, rain for a rainy day, and a lightning bolt for a stormy day.
Place the cloud cards in one row and the weather cards in another. Flip them over so the pictures are face down and mix them up. Now, turn over one card from each row. Do they match?
If you flip a cirrus cloud and a sunny weather card, they match! Cirrus clouds mean sunny, mild weather. If you flip a stratus cloud and a rainy weather card, they match too! Stratus clouds often bring rain.
Keep playing until all the clouds are matched with their weather. It’s a fun way to remember what each cloud means!
Thanks for making the cloud memory game with us! Now you have a fun indoor game to play when you can’t go outside to watch the clouds. If you have any questions about weather, space, or anything else, grab a grown-up and leave a comment or send us an email. Have a great day!
Cloud Journal: Start a cloud journal! Each day, look up at the sky and draw the clouds you see. Are they stratus, cumulus, or cirrus? Write down what the weather is like that day. After a week, look back at your drawings and notes. Can you see any patterns between the clouds and the weather?
Cloud in a Jar Experiment: With the help of a grown-up, try making a cloud in a jar. You’ll need a jar, hot water, ice, and a match. Pour a little hot water into the jar, then place the lid upside down on top with ice on it. Light a match, blow it out, and drop it quickly into the jar. Watch as a cloud forms inside! Talk about how this is similar to real clouds forming in the sky.
Weather Prediction Game: Each morning, look at the clouds and make a weather prediction. Will it be sunny, rainy, or stormy? Share your prediction with a friend or family member. At the end of the day, see if your prediction was correct. This will help you learn how clouds can be clues about the weather!
