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Investigating the Climate System: Clouds

Thumbnail for Investigating the Climate System: Clouds
Type: 
Lesson Plan
Audience: 
Formal, 6 - 8
Standards: 
ESS2.A
Keywords: 
clouds, energy cycle, climate, condensation
Summary: 
A downloadable PDF lesson plan which explores clouds and their role in Earth systems.
Download Lesson File(s): 
PDF icon Investigating the Climate System - Clouds.pdf

Objectives:

  • Model and explain cloud formation.
  • Sketch and classify clouds according to height, shape, and optical thickness.
  • Calculate and compare incoming and outgoing radiation.
  • Describe how cloud properties affect the Earth’s radiant budget.
  • Identify aerosols in the Earth’s atmosphere. 
  • Make climate predictions based on future increases or decreases of certain cloud types.
  • Respond to the third-grade student’s letter, answering specific questions asked by the student.
Time Required:
  • 45 minutes per investigation
Credits: 
NASA

 

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