S'COOL Lesson: The Sky and the Dichotomous Key

In this field activity, students observe clouds, and are introduced to dichotomous key to classify cloud types. Students also make weather observations of current weather and record and track changes in weather over time. Materials/equipment needed include weather instruments (thermometers and barometers) and graph paper. A student self-assessment rubric, vocabulary linked to an on-line glossary, a list of elementary level trade books on weather, and teacher notes and class management suggestions are provided. This hands-on activity is related to NASA CERES Students' Cloud Observations Online (S’COOL) project.