Create Your Own Cloud

Type of Lesson: Demonstration

Time Needed: 15 minutes

Standards Addressed

MEGOSE EAW2 Describe weather conditions and climates.
MEGOSE EAW5 Describe the composition and characteristics of the atmosphere.
MEGOSE EAW7 Explain the water cycle and its relationship to weather patterns.
MEGOSE EAW10 Explain and predict general weather patterns and storms.

Quick Summary of Lesson

Students will see a cloud form in a jug. This lesson would be a great intro to looking more deeply at clouds and weather prediction.

Materials

glass jug with a small mouth (like an apple juice jug)
bunsen burner or candle
matches if using a candle

Procedure

1. The parent or teacher should light the bunsen burner/candle.
2. Turn the jug upside down and hold its mouth over the flame for 10 seconds. Then immediately put your mouth inside the opening of the jug to make a seal. Blow hard into the jug, and then remove your mouth.
3. Watch as a cloud forms inside the jug.

Notes to the Teacher

This demonstration could be done in teams by high school students, but for younger students it should be kept as a demonstration because of safety concerns. Also, make sure the students don't hold the jug over the flame for longer than about 10 seconds, else the glass might be very hot when they go to blow into the jug!

Need More Information? Try Using Windows to the Universe

Please use these links for further ideas or more information:
Cloud Types
Earth's weather
General page on clouds
Jupiter's clouds
Martian clouds
Saturn's clouds
Uranus's clouds
Weather crossword puzzle

Last modified December 10, 2001 by the Windows Team

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