Have you ever played a game where you look for shapes or images in the clouds as you lie on the grass? Or maybe you’ve gazed at the clouds while driving in the car. Clouds are a neat weather project to explore for spring science. Make a cloud viewer and take it outside for a fun cloud identification activity. You can even keep a cloud journal!
Types of Clouds
Learn the various cloud names below. The simple visual representation of each cloud will help all ages learn about the different types of clouds in the sky. Scientists also classify clouds by their height or altitude in the sky, low, middle, or high.
High-level clouds are mostly made of ice crystals, while mid-level and low clouds are mostly made of water droplets that can turn into ice crystals if the temperature drops or the clouds rise quickly.
Cumulus: low to middle clouds that look like fluffy cotton balls.
Stratocumulus: low clouds that look fluffy and gray and may be a sign of rain.
Stratus: low clouds that look flat & gray, and spread out, may be a sign of drizzle.
Cumulonimbus: very tall clouds that span low to high, a sign of thunderstorms.
Cirrocumulus: high clouds that look fluffy like cotton balls.
Cirrus: high clouds that look wispy and thin and appear during good weather. (Cirrostratus)
Altostratus: middle clouds that look flat and gray and are usually a sign of rain.
Altocumulus: middle clouds that look small and fluffy.
How To Make a Cloud Viewer
With the warmer spring weather comes much more outdoor time! Why not make a cloud viewer and explore the sky outside? Our handy FREE printable cloud chart is a great way to learn about the different cloud types outdoors.
A cloud viewer easy to make and use in the classroom, at home, or with a group. Plus it’s a great activity to pair with a lesson on the water cycle.
YOU WILL NEED:
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Light blue or blue craft paint
- Cloud Chart Printable
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
- Hot glue/hot glue gun
HOW TO MAKE A CLOUD VIEWER
STEP 1: Carefully glue four craft sticks together to make a square.
STEP 2: Glue the 5th stock on the bottom center to hold the cloud viewer.
STEP 3: Spread out some scrap paper or newspaper, paint the sticks blue and let them dry.
STEP 4: Download and print your cloud chart. Cut out the different types of clouds and glue around the blue square.
Time to head outside with your cloud viewer! Take the bottom of the stick and hold your cloud viewer to the sky to identify clouds.
- What type of clouds do you see?
- Are they low, middle, or high clouds?
- Will there be rain coming?
What are Other Ways to Make Clouds?
- Make cotton ball cloud models. Use cotton balls to create each type of cloud. Use blue paper as your background. Cut out the cloud descriptions and have a friend match them to your cotton ball clouds.
- Make playdough clouds with our free weather playdough mats bundle.
- Paint the types of clouds! Use white puffy paint and cotton balls or Q-tips to paint clouds on blue paper.
- Keep a cloud journal and record the clouds you see in the sky simultaneously each day!
More Fun Weather Activities For Kids
Find a complete list of weather activities [here].
Printable Weather Activities Pack
Explore the fascinating world of weather with this fun and educational weather STEM pack designed for kids of all ages! Whether you want a seasonal theme or a simple science activity to enjoy year-round, these hands-on weather projects are perfect for engaging young minds. Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
