Students will be able to recognize the three basic cloud types, write poetry and create a visual piece based on point of view, and create dance demonstrating cloud movement.
Materials
The book It Looked Like Spilt Milk
KidPix program on computers
Air and Weather science kit
Activities
Day 1
Teacher introduction with Guide to Sky poster showing cloud types. Plan for student observation outside, using science journal to illustrate the differences in cloud they see. At the end of the lesson, have students share the different clouds they noticed.
Day 2
Review the cloud types using Guide to Sky poster. Ask questions like: Suppose a person had never seen a cloud, how would you describe it? Do all clouds look the same? Introduce the three cloud types and have students come up with adjectives to describe the different cloud types (cumulus, cirrus, and stratus). Create a cue visual/movement to indicate each cloud type. In science journal students will reflect on cloud types and descriptions.
Day 3
Review visual/movement for cloud types. Introduce questions: What makes clouds move? What do you think clouds are made of? If the wind is blowing very hard, what happens to the clouds? If there is no wind, what happens to the clouds? Have students add to the visual/movement to include how wind affects cloud movement. Write reflection in science journal.
Day 4
Read It Looked Like Spilt Milk discussing how clouds take on different formations. Students will then write from the point of view of the cloud answering questions: What am I made of? How was I formed? What is around/below me? What moves me?
Day 5
Have students share their writing whole group/peers-depending on comfort level. Students will then sketch a visual representation from their cloud point of view.
Days 6-10
Students will create a slide using Kid Pix/PowerPoint/Prezi of their cloud point of view, both written and visual.
Differentiation Approaches
1. Students who finish early can create a KWL chart on different cloud types.
2. Students who finish early can help others on slide project.
3. Students who need more help will work with peers to create writing and slide.
Assessment
1. Slide, point of view poem, dance
2. Create rubric to assess slide and point of view
Follow Up and Extension Ideas
Students can share their presentations with other classes.
Additional Details
- Grade Level: Second
- Arts Content Area: Dance, Visual Arts
- Non-Arts Content Area: English Language Arts, Technology
