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Investigation Question 2:
How can clouds form?

Preparation

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What to do

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Assessment

Preparation

Teaching and Learning Focus

In this investigation, your students will begin to develop their concept of clouds based upon three basic observations:

  • Warm air can contain more water vapor than cold air.
  • When air loses heat, some of the water in the air turns to liquid.
  • As air loses heat, droplets of water collect and become visible on solid surfaces.

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Materials Needed

For each student group:

  1. Large clear glass or plastic jar with lid, without label
  2. Supply of small ice cubes
  3. Quart-size zip-closing plastic bag
  4. Water at room temperature
  5. Wooden safety matches
  6. Small flashlight (observations work best if the viewing area is dimly lit)

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Safety

Most of this investigation is considered generally safe to do with students. However, one part of it involves the use of a lit match. YOU need to demonstrate this step for the students. Review safety precautions with them carefully. To ensure all students clearly observe this event, conduct a separate demonstration at each table. You students can participate with each step except the one involving flame.

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Soil

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At Utah's Vermillion Cliffs a siltstone butte of the Carmel Formation erodes and forms unusual shapes. © Michael Collier Image courtesy of the Earth Science World Image Bank, photo ID: ixvt1a

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Last updated:July 23, 2008


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