How can we predict when it's going to storm?

“The activity that followed allowed the kids to put their learning into real life practice. kids worked in groups on determining cloud-types and whether or not they would do the activity the pictures presented. It was meaningful and a blast!”

· Val · Teacher

“Great videos and explanations. My students were very interested in the topic. We are experiencing storms during this last week and they are using their knowledge to talk about the rain, clouds, etc. Thanks for putting all these fabulous resources in our hands (teachers and students). ”

· Gloria · Teacher

“The kids LOVED the storm spotter guides! I had several kids ask for extra papers so they could make another booklet for home/siblings. They've been talking about the different clouds since then!”

· Julie · Teacher

“The directions for the activity and the information itself in the videos were given so clearly that students had very little trouble following along. More importantly, they understood and were able to apply the information to the activity at the end!”

· Michele · Teacher

“These lessons align perfectly with our curriculum. Students learn important vocabulary in an interactive manner, then utilize their knowledge in order to predict weather patterns by looking at cloud cover and wind direction. Thanks Doug! ”

· Anne · Teacher

“The story told at the beginning was incredible. Enjoyed the practical application of the activity. I also like that the video clip of each step of the activity is looped so the children could rewatch the steps as they are doing them.”

· Tiffany · Homeschooler

“Step by step directions on the book was VERY successful! The stories and explanation were interesting. Love the last page in their book that leaves room for them to "collect" more evidence of clouds. ”

· Genevieve · Teacher

“My students loved going outside and keeping our Weather Prediction Journals from the lesson extras! They also really enjoyed learning about different types of clouds and how we can look at them to determine what the weather forecast might hold.”

· Amber · Teacher

“The kids love to predict what the different types of clouds and they love to have to decide whether the storm will happen or not. They really enjoyed the spotter's guide that they made prior to the Will It Storm activity. ”

· Kyla · Teacher

“The kids were literally ooohing and ahhhing at the videos with the clouds. What I thought was going to torture me in folding the booklet was SO easy with the video instructions. This whole program has been amazing so far!”

· Jillian · Teacher

“Kids are excited to try to predict weather from the clouds and wind. ”

· Brenda · Teacher

“It was so kid friendly and step-by-step; even my low functioning students could get through the lesson on their own which gave them confidence. All were engaged and enjoyed the entire lesson”

· Chelsea · Teacher

“The kids LOVED this lesson. Many said they can't wait to take this on their next camping trip, so they can track the weather. ”

· Kristina · Teacher

“We loved it! The book was easy to make and it was very engaging to follow along with the video while the kids completed their guides.”

· Nicole · Teacher

“The kids really enjoyed using the mini-books as a resource to answer questions with the pictures. ”

· Ivy · Teacher

“Hearing my students talking about the weather is so neat. They use the new terms, "Cumulo-nimbus" and "Strato-nimbus" all the time now. They give me the weather report throughout the day.”

· Angela · Homeschooler

“The kids LOVED the video of William Rankin's fall through the storm cloud! This is our favorite lesson so far.”

· Susan · Admin

“The kids loved creating the booklet along with the video. They're now frequently checking the sky and expounding on the clouds and the likelihood of rain.”

· Shereen · Homeschooler

“They loved making the Storm SPotter's Guide book. The videos for them to follow are done very well! ”

· Karen · Teacher

“love the videos and activities This program is AWESOME!!!!!!”

· Melissa · Teacher

“The students loved figuring out if they should picnic, boat, go to the game etc”

· Joyce · Teacher

“I love the videos. Doug does a great job of explaining the concepts. I also thought the Storm Spotter's guide was well done. I like how you limited it to 4 clouds.”

· Kathy · Teacher

“The kids LOVED the video clips-- they were very engaging! Also, the step-by-step instructions for the storm books was simple yet incredibly fun!”

· Liz · Teacher

“The children really loved the Storm Spotter's Guide. It's been over a week and some of the students still bring it to school everyday so they can discuss what k=clouds they see in the sky, and try to predict the weather.”

· Andrea · Teacher

“I teach this multiple times to students and it'a always a hit. This year I'm showing some of it to 5th grade as well.”

· Teresa · Teacher

“The students were SO engaged with 'Will it Storm?" photos. They used their Storm Spotter's Guide and I heard great discussions between partners. They felt like meteorologists. The extension activities were wonderful. I loved being able to incorporate science content in our poetry and language arts standards. ”

· Shelby · Teacher

“My kids loved it! I like how it breaks lessons up. The students will watch the clip, discuss a question, watch a clip, discuss then clip and a guided activity.... PERFECT for students with ADHD..”

· Colleen · Teacher

“This was Wx Mystery was incredibly well thought out and produced. My 4th grade students were full involved. And even on the evening of the day we wrapped up Mystery 2, I found myself photographing some beautiful cumulonimbus clouds passing the the south of Manhattan.”

· Gregory · Teacher

“The booklet is awesome. They really likes it!”

· Christina · Homeschooler

“The best part was the storm spotters guide. My students have been observing the clouds and predicting whether it will rain or not all week long. They take out their little booklets and make fantastic observations. They love this mystery! ”

· Geralyn · Teacher

“Loved this lesson! We happened to do it on a stormy day, and it was so fun to be able to predict what the evenings weather might look like. ”

· Kira · Homeschooler

“My class LOVED the activity and know so much more about clouds and weather predicting than past years' classes because of this lesson. Thank you! The only recommendation I'd have is making the first one or two activity pictures, the ones that students need to interpret, easier so that they can build up to the more challenging ones that require more careful thinking because of cloud combinations.”

· Katie · Teacher

“Great! I like the step by step explinati0n on the spotter's guide. Great lessons and visuals!”

· · Teacher

“This lesson was an absolute attention grabber with very little prep. My students enjoyed every minute of it and I look forward to using it again next year.”

· Clara · Teacher

“The booklet that the kids made and filled in as we went....lead to great conversations and looking at clouds everyday!”

· Kim · Teacher

“Everything! The engaging story of the soldier descending through the cumulonimbus cloud really hooked the students into the lesson. The booklets were fun to make (a great lesson in listening closely to directions) and the students really used them to identify clouds and 'predict' the weather. I turned the photo scenarios into cards, laminated them and used them several times with dry erase markers to save paper. It was a great opportunity to listen to the students talk about the scene, look through their booklets to identify and predict. It was a better way to clear up misunderstandings than whole class assessment!”

· Lauree · Teacher

“My students loved learning about the different types of clouds. They were able to identify the clouds after we learned about them. ”

· Andrea · Teacher

“This was great! The kids loved making the Storm Spotter's Guide. We are finishing up this morning. They are constantly looking at the sky and talking about the clouds:) The step by step directions were perfect!! Thank you so much:)”

· Donna · Teacher

“The kids had a great time with this lesson! They really enjoyed the story that started us off! Thanks. I am hoping I can keep this subscription around for next year. As a STEM school, we really focus on science and this is one of the best resources I've found. ”

· Caitlyn · Teacher

“My students LOVED the video and all of the information and amazing pictures! I loved how history was tied in to the science (and geography)! ”

· Kellie · Teacher

“Your videos are great. You're able to intrigue the students. The content aligns perfectly with the NGSS standards. You save me so much work. Thank you!”

· Roberta · Teacher

“The kids have been walking around with their Cloud Predictors! They are looking up all the time!”

· Karen · Teacher

“not completely done, but students really focused on lesson. Your team is great...hitting the right spots of children's curiosity. ”

· Barb · Teacher

“This was a great interactive way to teach children. We use foldables all the time as a teaching tool but to have a video to exolain and go along with it was even better ”

· Tracey · Teacher

“The best part was the Storm Tracker booklet. My students have asked every morning if we can go outside to check the clouds. I love that this lesson is easily transitioning to something the students can apply and something they enjoy to thinking about every day.”

· Eryn · Teacher

“We had a wonderful lesson! You continue to amaze us with your great lessons! Can you make it possible to post pics to future reviews? Just an idea. ”

· Trini · Teacher

“The Storm Spotter's Guide was the best. I appreciate how much we all learned about how to tell which clouds are which and what their function and purpose is. Thanks! Doug and his team come through for us every time!”

· Trini · Teacher

“Easy to follow and lots of fun! My students loved that they had a book after to take home.”

· Emily · Teacher

“William Rankin's story was insane! Our class is also excited to turn into storm spotters this weekend. ”

· Leslie · Teacher

“Having the little booklet for my child to fill out really pulled it all together. My child now goes out and spots the different types of clouds.”

· Sue · Homeschooler

“The videos and step by step plan of making their storm spotter guide was fantastic. My para and I couldn't believe it. The students watched and were able to do it all completely themselves. Fantastic!”

· Tanner · Teacher

“4th and 2nd grader loved this lesson and have reatained the info weeks later. Fabulous!”

· Joie · Homeschooler

“Kids loved going outside to look at clouds and use their books. They spent all recess talking about clouds! ”

· Tim · Teacher

“The best part was the students ability to make connections and predictions of what the weather will be. I believe having them make the book really helped all of the information to sink in.”

· Nikki · Teacher

“The kids loved the video of the jet pilot! So exciting they begged to watch it over and over!”

· Jennifer · Teacher

“good stuff! now when we are outside they always tell me what kind of clouds we have in the sky! ”

· Kent · Teacher

“figuring out what kinds of storms are coming based on a little book we can carry is great! he'll be telling everyone the weather!”

· Mindy · Homeschooler

“I love that everything is in one place... no need to "search for a cool clip of time lapse clouds forming on you tube" Its done and commercial free!”

· Stacey · Teacher

“The children were fascinated hearing about the guy who fell through the storm cloud - they were amazed! Since the lesson they keep looking at the sky and telling me what clouds there are today and if its going to storm or not. Great lesson.”

· Katherine · Homeschooler

“My daughter out of the blue predicted a storm that was on its way. We were eating in a restaurant and she says look mom the clouds are strato-nimbus cloud! There were a few flags flying outside so we could see the direction of the wind and she predicted we would have rain soon. I enjoy seeing her put her knowledge to work and she's having fun doing it. ”

· Jami · Homeschooler

“The kids loved that they actually have the tools to predict weather! I think I will be getting feedback from kids and families for a long time. Thank you!”

· Bethany · Homeschooler

“Making the booklet so the students could take notes.”

· Crystal · Teacher

“so much fun ;):):):):):):):):):):O my mom said good cloud discription i home schooled and i am the only one that does it and i love it:)!!!!!!:D”

· Robyn · Homeschooler

“We started with stratus clouds that changed before our eyes into stratonimbus clouds! We accurately predicted indoor recess 5 times in a row...no sign of clear skies in our near future! (All without looking at forecast on the internet!)”

· Richard · Admin

“My students and I are really enjoying these lessons. The videos are exceptional!”

· Lydia · Teacher

“Great visuals and examples with the activity! My kids absolutely loved it and are still talking about it! Even talked about clouds at recess today!”

· Charity · Teacher

“loved it, science at its best.”

· Naheed · Homeschooler

“harder for 1st graders because of tiny booklet-- they couldn't fit all the words on. Would be helpful to have color poster (11x17) that I could print out and keep up for rest of the week to reinforce lesson. That said...we looked at the ominous clouds today and realize that we weren't going to get rain because they were not coming from the West. Cool!”

· Barbara · Teacher

“i love this! - the videos are so clear and easy to understand. the projects are simple with stuff you have around the house.”

· Kari · Homeschooler

“Learning about how to spot the clouds. It was neat to make the storm spotters guide, a book out of a piece of paper.”

· Beth · Teacher

“Immediately after finished the project, we went out to look at storm clouds forming outside. This was awesome and my kids remembered everything!”

· Terry · Teacher

“The kids were real excited to watch the clouds change states into storm clouds. For weeks they love to go outside and let me know what clouds they are seeing while their at recess. ”

· · Teacher

“the kids really enjoyed learning about the pilot flying through the storm cell. The video really brought it to life for them.”

· Kat · Homeschooler

“This kids tweeted me all spring break about the different kings of clouds they were seeing and that they where explaining to their parents about how you can use wind and knowledge of cloud to know what the weather may do!”

· Joli · Teacher

“I'm not sure exactly why, but the format of this lesson helped ME finally learn the names of the clouds! Thank you!”

· Laura · Homeschooler

“The story about Wiliam Rankin was perfect for the kids to understand the concept. We totally know our clouds now!”

· Veronica · Teacher

“These are great! The best part is that I will stop to discuss something in the picture and then when I start the video up, he is discussing the same thing...we are on the same page as to what we are teaching.”

· Theresa · Teacher

“My kids really enjoyed putting together the "Storm Spotter's Guide" for this lesson. It helped them to learn the differences between the cloud types. We did this lesson a week ago, but they are still looking at the clouds whenever we are outside and identifying them. We all enjoyed the video on William Rankin, the first known man to fall through a cumulonimbus cloud. A good story ripens the mind nicely to prepare for the lesson. ”

· Karen · Homeschooler

“This makes learning fun!”

· Silvia · Homeschooler

“Fantastic. I loved the content vocabulary and the Storm Spotters Guide. This lesson provides authentic learning. I've got a class of amateur meteorologists. Amazing!”

· Stuart · Teacher

“One of my students said, "I didn't know clouds could be so much fun to learn about!" ”

· Shana · Teacher

“We live in Oklahoma, so the weather is an important part of our lives. Tornadoes are of particular interest. Teaching the students how to spot incoming storms and helping them understand how to predict that weather is incredibly empowering. Thank you for a well rounded lesson and activity! The students and I appreciate how the lessons are interesting and not just a regurgitation of facts!”

· Christa · Teacher

“My students LOVED the video at the very beginning and the "Will it Storm" handout was my favorite because it is SPOT ON with how they will be assessed on their state assessment test!”

· Katie · Teacher

“The best explanation of different types of clouds I have ever heard.”

· · Homeschooler

“This was awesome!! I am amazed by the quality of materials, videos.”

· Eileen · Teacher

“Once again, my students loved this lesson! They really enjoyed making their Storm Spotter's Guide book. They will randomly look out the window at the clouds and predict the weather, haha. It is so great to see how much they are loving these lessons!! ”

· Erika · Teacher

“Students were amazed that the 3 maps all went together and that the climate zones all matched up!! Awesome for teaching compare/contrast for climate zones.”

· Cam · Teacher

“Great use of technology! Just enough technology to teach the material without any distractions. We love the storm guide! The hands on activities are very well planned. It makes it very easy to learn and remember the types of the clouds. ”

· Nilufer · Homeschooler

“The kids absolutely loved it. They are excited about "The Storm Spotter Guide." I am going to show the videos again just because there is so much information in them. Thank you again, Kevin”

· Kevin · Teacher

“I have always loved weather (even considered meteorology, but there was too much math for my liking!) ;) and have tried to explain what was taught in the video to our boys...but for whatever reason (a different voice?!) they GOT it and LOVED it! This lesson was right before the snow/ice storm that slammed NC last week. As we were out making preparations, our boys were discussing the clouds and what they meant! Yay!!! ”

· Terra · Homeschooler

“My students loved the video about the Jet pilot and his trip through the clouds. It really got their attention and created a better understanding of storm clouds. They did really well with the cloud books and are still recording daily clouds they see. Thank you! I also love how you have connected Readworks articles and American Museum of Natural History websites. I use both of these often.”

· Dixie · Teacher

“The students wanted to take their booklets out to recess to look for cloud types and share with others.”

· Doreen · Teacher

“Everything is clear and simple, but informative and even better... it is all ready for us :)”

· Jennifer · Homeschooler

“My kids use their storm spotter guides regularly now to see what weather might be headed towards our area. It is great to see them so excited and engaged in this topic. ”

· Leanne · Homeschooler

“The best part is how the narrator guides the students through each step in a very easy to follow way.”

· Sonia · Teacher

“We enjoyed making our Storm Spotter's Guide - which is quite helpful in learning about the clouds. We have learned about the clouds before, but never learned about the storm information that goes along with it.”

· Jennifer · Homeschooler

“Awesome! My students can't stop watching the clouds in the sky identifying clouds and making preditions.”

· Alice · Teacher

“My students loved looking at the pictures and trying to decide if they had to worry about a storm coming their way! These activities are so engaging and really help them to connect the science topics to their life!”

· Megan · Teacher

“My kids were pointing out clouds all week!”

· Lily · Teacher

“My kids loved making the storm books and ran outside to see what clouds are in the sky today. Fun!”

· Stephanie · Homeschooler

“The kids LOVED the video and really enjoyed making the booklets that went along with it. So fun and easy to use!!! Thank you!!”

· Kathy · Teacher

“Even my 6 yr old was happily predicting storms! Fun learning! ”

· Mieke · Homeschooler

“The videos combined with the discussion questions allowed student to move deeper into the concepts being learned through conversations with their peers.”

· Evelyn · Teacher

“The kids were engaged and very interested in how to read clouds to see signs of impending storms”

· · Homeschooler

Storm Spotter's Guide worksheet	30 copies
Will It Storm? worksheet	30 copies
Will It Storm? Answer Key teacher-only resource	1 copy
Scissors	30 pairs

How can we predict when it's going to storm?

cloud

cumulus cloud

stratus cloud

cumulonimbus cloud

nimbostratus cloud

rain

thunderstorm

hail

predict

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Assessments

Image & Video Credits

30 mins

30 mins

Share this lesson

Student link

Google Classroom

Email parents

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Assessments

Activities

Activity

ELA Extension

Transcripts

How can we predict when it's going to storm?

cloud

cumulus cloud

stratus cloud

cumulonimbus cloud

nimbostratus cloud

rain

thunderstorm

hail

predict

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Assessments

Image & Video Credits

Featured Reviews

Activity Prep

Figure Out Which Direction Weather is Coming From

Label the Cardinal Directions

30 mins

30 mins

Share this lesson

Student link

Google Classroom

Email parents

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Assessments

Activities

Activity

ELA Extension

Transcripts

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