What Is a Cloud?

Provided by: Crash Course |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

In this Crash Course video, students will learn about the differences between and the importance of clouds.
This video explains the three types of clouds, how cloud characteristics can indicate atmospheric conditions and help us predict weather patterns, how humidity and water vapor are connected to cloud formation and rain, and how different types of clouds absorb or reflect differing amounts of radiation.
An important emphasis of the video is the role of clouds in naturally warming and cooling the atmosphere.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography

Authors: Crash Course

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The relationship between cloud type and altitude is readily observable. Students can take a trip outside of the school or take a look on their ride home for a chance to apply their newly acquired knowledge.
The animations in this video are engaging.

Prerequisites

Making students aware that water vapor is invisible and that liquid water/ice droplets are the components of clouds may help avoid a possible misconception that could be derived from the video at the 1:18 mark.
To provide deeper context ahead of time, familiarize students with the terms dew point, relative humidity, condensation nuclei, and the concept of latent heat.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can be asked to construct some basic line graphs to show the relationship between air temperature and evaporation, air temperature and condensation, and air temperature and altitude in the troposphere.
Having students create a cloud journal where they can capture their observations of clouds over a succession of days is a fun way to engage students before or after viewing this resource.
This video is a great launching point for activities related to the atmosphere.
The role of clouds trapping or reflecting radiation from the sun is a central piece in this video. Have students dig a little deeper into the albedo effect with this activity.
After watching this video, students can discuss how climate change impacts weather, including humidity. This can lead to a conversation about wet-bulb temperature.

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Resource Type and Format

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What Is a Cloud?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources