Clouds & Condensation
handout exercisecomputer exercisesuggested grade levels: 7-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson


Overview:
Idaho can get many different weather patterns and the weather can change quickly. When hiking or camping in the mountains this weather change can seem especially rapid. This activity is designed to accompany a unit on weather and climatology. This activity lets students do some research on these topics by using the Digital Atlas of Idaho.

Objectives:
1. Students will learn how to use the Climatology section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
2. Students will understand concepts such as relative humidity, dew point, condensation, and cloud formation.
3. Students will learn how to work together and find new information.

Procedure:
Encourage Students to work in groups. Groups of 3 are ideal but larger groups can be used depending on the number of computers available. This assignment could also be used for homework if students do not finish it during the class period. Use the Climatology section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
To get there: Click on Atlas Home, Climatology, then on Cloud Imaging. Explore the Cloud Imaging page. Encourage students to click on the various links embedded in this text to explore the many images. Use this information to answer the following questions. Use the handout provided. For a printable pdf copy of the handout for your students, click below.

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
clim1ho.pdf | clim1AK.pdf | Cloud Imaging

Handout Sample:
The sample questions below are shown in the printed handout.

Idaho can get many different weather patterns and the weather can change quickly. When hiking or camping in the mountains this weather change can seem especially rapid so always be prepared. By doing this exercise, you will become much more familiar with weather. Answer the following completely and accurately.

1. Describe the process of evaporation. What factors can influence the rate of evaporation?
2. As air cools, what happens to the relative humidity? (assume all other factors remain constant)

Related Lesson Topics:
Climatology: Climatology


Lesson plan by James Scannell and Stefan Sommer, 2001
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
351.01.02
401.01.04.05
804.01.02
352.01
798.01.02
884.01.05
357.01.02
799.01
892.01.05