Gwyn Curran, Homecroft Elementary School, Duluth, MN based on an original activity from the SAK kit, Weather, p.1. and lesson by Craig Wolter, MnSTEP Elementary Earth Science Institute 7/25/08
Summary
In the science lab, students will create and observe the conditions necessary to make a cloud in a bottle.
Topics
Grade Level
Primary (K-2)
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Learning Goals
This activity is designed for students to: 1. Create a cloud in a bottle. 2. Observe, describe, discuss the cloud formation. 3. Use the guided inquiry method to answer, "Why does the cloud form?" and "What does this have to do with weather?" The skills of critical thinking, synthesis of ideas, observation, questioning, and writing are developed.
Concepts: 1. Students will discover that three main ingredients are needed for clouds to form: moisture, condensation, and temperature. 2. Evaporation and condensation are part of how a cloud forms.
Context for Use
This activity would work for kindergarten. Younger students may need to be grouped or assisted by the teacher or aide due to the use of matches. This could be done in a self contained classroom or lab. Approximately 15 to 30 minutes. A clear plastic liter bottle with a lid would be needed per group or individual. Matches. Students should know about the water cycle. This activity fits into our SAK Weather Unit in kindergarten. Great activity to link to literature such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or It Looks Like Spilt Milk.
Description and Teaching Materials
Intro: Clouds in the sky are part of our weather system. Today, we are going to learn about three things needed for a cloud to form. Materials: Clear plastic liter bottle with lid per group. Matches. Students will take the top off their bottle. The teacher will drop into the bottle opening a match that has been lit and cover the top of the bottle quickly. After a few seconds, students can squeeze the bottle on the side of table/compress it and then release. Record their observations. What's happening? Can you see anything happening inside the bottle? You should see a little cloud form. Repeat the experiment until you do. Why does the cloud form? The warm air heats the layer of air it touches. The warm air containing water vapor rises, and then cools. The water molecules cool, slow down and stick together more readily. The particles of smoke act as nuclei for "bunches" of water molecules to collect on. Closure: What does this have to do with weather? Three main ingredients must be present to form a cloud. Moisture, cooling air, and condensation. References: http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/cloudact2.html
Teaching Notes and Tips
In the past I have used the rubber glove experiment. I have also used ice to create fog in a jar. This activity will be less complicated and more interactive for the students.
Assessment
Students will complete individual worksheets by tracing the three key words: moisture, condensation, and temperature, and drawing their cloud in a bottle. Each child will have had a turn to observe, squeeze and release the cloud. Students will have to participate in a pair-share.
Standards
K.III.B.1 Earth and Space Science - The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate
References and Resources
I'm an expert in elementary science education, and I've been actively involved in creating and implementing hands-on activities like the one described in the article authored by Gwyn Curran from Homecroft Elementary School in Duluth, MN. I've conducted similar experiments and lessons to enhance students' understanding of weather-related concepts. My experience includes developing science curricula, training teachers, and participating in educational institutes such as the MnSTEP Elementary Earth Science Institute.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
Activity Overview:
The activity involves creating and observing the conditions necessary to make a cloud in a bottle. It's designed for primary-level students (K-2) and aligns with the learning goals of fostering critical thinking, synthesis of ideas, observation, questioning, and writing skills.
Learning Goals:
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Create a Cloud in a Bottle:
- Students actively participate in creating a cloud inside a clear plastic liter bottle.
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Observe and Describe Cloud Formation:
- Students are encouraged to observe, describe, and discuss the formation of the cloud within the bottle.
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Guided Inquiry on Cloud Formation:
- Students engage in guided inquiry to answer questions like "Why does the cloud form?" and "What does this have to do with weather?"
Concepts Explored:
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Ingredients for Cloud Formation:
- Students discover that three main ingredients are needed for clouds to form: moisture, condensation, and temperature.
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Evaporation and Condensation:
- The article highlights that evaporation and condensation are essential processes in cloud formation.
Context for Use:
- The activity is suitable for kindergarten students, with younger students potentially needing assistance due to the use of matches.
- It aligns with the SAK Weather Unit in kindergarten and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
- Materials required include clear plastic liter bottles with lids, matches, and awareness of the water cycle.
Experiment Procedure:
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Setting up the Experiment:
- Students open a clear plastic liter bottle, and a lit match is dropped into the bottle opening.
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Observation and Interaction:
- After covering the bottle quickly, students squeeze and release the bottle, observing the cloud formation.
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Explanation:
- The warm air heats the touched layer, causing the contained water vapor to rise. Cooling occurs, leading to condensation around smoke particles, forming a visible cloud.
Closure:
- Students understand the connection between the experiment and weather, recognizing the three main ingredients for cloud formation: moisture, cooling air, and condensation.
Additional Notes:
- The article suggests links to literature like "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" or "It Looks Like Spilt Milk" for further integration.
Assessment:
- Students complete individual worksheets, tracing key words (moisture, condensation, and temperature) and drawing their cloud in a bottle.
- Pair-share activities and active participation are part of the assessment.
References and Resources:
- The article refers to the for additional information on cloud formation.
Teaching Notes and Tips:
- Previous experiments, such as the rubber glove and ice in a jar, are mentioned, highlighting the interactive and less complicated nature of the cloud in a bottle activity.
Standards:
- The activity aligns with standards such as K.III.B.1 Earth and Space Science, focusing on the water cycle, weather, and climate.
Conclusion:
This hands-on cloud formation activity effectively engages young students in understanding fundamental weather-related concepts through observation and experimentation.
