EARTH SCIENCES:

CLOUDS-IN-A-BOX PROJECT

CLASSROOM BASED SCIENCE PROJECTS

CLOUDS-IN-A-BOX

Do you ever wish you could predict the weather? You just might be able to do just that using our handy-dandy 'clouds-in-a-box' weather prediction kit.

Using a shoebox or shirtbox with top attached, the students construct model cloud formations using common materials and polyester batting. Each Clouds-in-a-Box project must include 8 - 10 'clouds' in the correct configuration and with correct names, descriptions, and altitudes. Scales for the altitudes of the clouds should be both standard and metric measures. The cloud descriptions should contain physical properties, meanings of the names, and probable weather outcomes due to the presence of each type of cloud.
In class, the students research cloud types through books, posters, and the Internet. Using information from the research, they compose descriptions of each cloud-type. Students make rough drafts of the interior of boxes and construct the backgrounds and foregrounds for the formations. Each student is given a 6" x 6" piece of batting from which to construct the clouds by stretching and manipulating the batting into the correct configurations . Clouds may be glued, hung, or placed in the box depending upon how elaborate the project. The descriptions are placed in the top (or side) of the box. Students then have the option to appropriately decorate the outside of the box.
This project takes seven to eight days, three to four sessions in class and three to four evenings at home.
Each project is scored on a four-point rubric system.

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