Format
1. Introduction to the hydrologic cycle (water cycle) and explanation of the Water Cycle Worksheet the students fill out during the lesson.
2. Discussion of Evaporation/Transpiration, Condensation, and Precipitation with examples included in museum artwork.
3. Optional movement activity where the students simulate the movements of water molecules.
4. Discussion of Accumulation, the final stage of the water cycle.
5. Discussion of cloud types (i.e. stratus, cumulus, cirrus, etc.) with examples included in museum artwork, and explanation of the Cloud Identification Chart the students will fill out.
6. Explore the effects of air pressure and temperature on weather.
7. Optional “Cloud in a Bottle” interactivity.
Objectives
Students will understand the water cycle.
Students will understand how density of air affects weather.
Students will understand weather changes due to pressure and temperature.
Students will understand clouds consist of water vapor or ice crystals, depending on their altitude and other physical conditions.
Students will understand different types of clouds are associated with different weather conditions, so visible changes in clouds alert one to oncoming weather systems.
Students will understand cloud types, and their weather systems, have followed consistent patterns for centuries, as documented by both photography and by artwork that predates photography.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
All programs are aligned with the National Education Standards, Ohio Department of Education Academic Standards, and New York State Learning Standards.