GLOBE: Cloud Watch

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Students observe cloud type and coverage, as well as other weather conditions over a five-day period and correlate these observations. Students make and test predictions using these observations.

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Notes from our reviewers

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This lesson plan is short and straightforward, and very easy for an instructor to follow, and also to easily adapt to their learner's needs. Pairs well with the lesson [link https://serc.carleton.edu/resources/57925.html '"Observing, Describing, and Identifying Clouds"'], and both could easily be facilitated together across the same several days. [link https://observer.globe.gov/ 'GLOBE Observer'] is one way to submit data from cloud observations. Consider having a local weather forecaster visit to talk about predicting weather through clouds and other tools as an extension. Recording format can be created by teacher or [link 'https://www.globe.gov/documents/348614/624fab53-4159-438e-b974-4a79c402c3cb 'GLOBE journal'].
Outdoor work will engage students and can easily be executed at home. This lesson can support multiple ages and multiple learning styles with its place-based and hands-on approach to learning about the weather. Students, especially elementary age, will be engaged in making observations across multiple days and times. The content can easily be adapted for younger students or older students. Instructors will need to develop their own assessment.