Subject: SCIENCE 3
Grade Level: Grade 3
Objective:
1. Identifies the types of clouds: nimbus, stratus, cirrus, and cumulus.
I. Before the Lesson / Pre-lesson Proper
Learning within the curriculum:
1. Weather Patterns - Students will explore how different cloud types relate to
weather changes and conditions.
2. The Water Cycle - Understanding how clouds form part of the water cycle and
their role in precipitation.
Learning across the curriculum:
1. Art - Students can create cloud artwork, reinforcing the different types of clouds
visually.
2. Geography - Learning about how different climates around the world affect cloud
formation and types.
Activating Prior Knowledge:
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Instructional Materials: Pictures of different cloud types.
Energizer 1: Cloud Charades - In groups, students act out the characteristics of
different clouds while others guess which type it is.
Energizer 2: Cloud Guessing Game - Students close their eyes and imagine a cloud
type based on descriptions given by the teacher, then share their thoughts.
Establishing Lesson Purpose / Intention:
Today, we will learn about the different types of clouds and how they can tell us
about the weather. Understanding clouds is important because they help us predict
weather changes that can affect our daily lives.
Lesson Language Practice/Unlocking of Difficulties:
Key Terms:
1. Nimbus
2. Stratus
3. Cirrus
Key Concepts:
1. Each type of cloud has unique characteristics that can indicate specific weather
conditions.
2. Recognizing cloud types can help us predict upcoming weather events.
II. During the Lesson Proper
Reading the Key Idea:
Clouds come in various types, each indicating different weather patterns, and
understanding these types can help us forecast the weather.
Developing Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activities
Activity 1: Cloud Classification
Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning
Materials: Pictures of different cloud types and a chart for classification.
Significance: Students will learn to identify and classify clouds, enhancing their
observational skills.
Instructions:
1. Distribute pictures of clouds to groups.
2. Each group will classify their clouds into types (nimbus, stratus, cirrus, cumulus)
and describe their features.
3. Present findings to the class.
Rubrics:
- Accuracy of Classification: 5 pts.
- Clarity of Description: 5 pts.
- Presentation Skills: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What are the main characteristics of the stratus cloud?
2. How does a nimbus cloud differ from a cumulus cloud?
3. What weather does a cirrus cloud typically indicate?
Activity 2: Cloud Observation Walk
Teaching Strategy: Experiential Learning
Materials: None required (outdoors).
Significance: Students will engage in a real-world observation of clouds, connecting
classroom learning to the environment.
Instructions:
1. Take students outside to observe the sky.
2. Ask them to identify and describe any clouds they see.
3. Record their observations and discuss the types of clouds they identified.
Rubrics:
- Participation: 5 pts.
- Accuracy of Identification: 5 pts.
- Quality of Observations: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What types of clouds did you see outside?
2. How did you determine the type of cloud?
3. What weather conditions did you observe along with the clouds?
Deepening Understanding of the Key Idea:
Activity: Cloud Types Discussion
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-based Learning
Materials: None required.
Significance: Students will engage in a guided discussion to explore the
implications of different cloud types on weather.
Instructions:
1. Pose questions about how different cloud types can affect weather conditions.
2. Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to weather
changes.
3. Summarize the discussion by highlighting key points.
Rubrics:
- Engagement in Discussion: 5 pts.
- Quality of Responses: 5 pts.
- Ability to Connect Concepts: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. How do clouds influence rainfall?
2. What cloud types are most likely to bring storms?
3. Why is it important to understand clouds in weather prediction?
III. After the Lesson / Post-lesson Proper
Making Generalizations / Abstractions:
Today, we learned that clouds come in various types, each with distinct
characteristics that help us predict the weather. Understanding these types can
inform our daily activities and safety measures. Recognizing how clouds relate to
weather patterns enhances our awareness of the environment.
Assessment - Evaluating Learning:
Teaching Strategy: Direct Instruction
Questions:
1. What are the four types of clouds we discussed?
2. Describe the weather associated with nimbus clouds.
3. What distinguishes cirrus clouds from cumulus clouds?
For Higher Order Thinking Skills:
Questions:
1. How can understanding clouds help in disaster preparedness?
2. What might happen to cloud formation in a changing climate?
3. Why do different regions have different cloud types?
Answers:
1. Knowing cloud types can help predict severe weather, allowing for timely
evacuations.
2. Climate change may alter weather patterns, potentially affecting cloud formation
and types.
3. Different temperatures and humidity levels in regions lead to varied cloud types.
Additional Activities for Application / Remediation:
1. Create a cloud journal where students draw and label different cloud types they
observe over a week, noting the weather conditions each day. This can be done
using any paper available at home.
