Where do clouds come from?

“The video of the skydiver was a "lightbulb" moment for the kids. Even though they were initially predicting that clouds felt like cotton candy and pillows, they at the point all conceded that it felt like water. Then, the connection to fog really resonated because we live in a valley that experiences fog all winter long.”

· Tara · Teacher

“The students loved the activity with the warm water. I loved having the step by step directions/video clips to use during the lesson. Thank you for making Science engaging for the students and simple to implement for teachers!”

· Laurel · Teacher

“This is a fantastic lesson! We did the condensation investigation with 3rd grade. The videos were an excellent lead into the investigation. The activity was simple, easy to use, and to the point. Thank you,”

· Brenda · Teacher

“The students had such a great time learning about clouds! The experiment was really simple and yet they learned so much from it. Coincidentally it rained the day after the experiment. We went outside to talk about the puddles and what might happen to them. The day after that they talked about evaporation when they saw the puddles were gone. Thank you for making this so easy to teach. It also keeps the students engaged!”

· · Teacher

“The lesson was very organized and well paced: There was enough time built into each step for all students to savor each concept without the stress of feeling rushed or stressed. There was the feeling of joy, excitement, and success instead. Thank you!”

· Katherine · Teacher

“The students loved the videos and doing the hands on experiments. They had questions about the clouds but it was answered when we watched to the end of Doug's presentation. This was just an amazing mini unit. I have never seen my students so intrigued and engaged. ”

· Sreymom · Teacher

“I don't think my kids had ever really thought about what clouds feel like! I teach special education so I was able to easily modify the lesson and provide extra structure. I liked that the experiment was simple and adaptive.”

· Laura · Teacher

“The videos are so clear and easy to follow. You offered explanations of vocabulary that was really helpful for English Learners. Students loved the skydiver video. The hands on activity was easy, but engaging and very effective at allowing students to discover what makes up a cloud. Thank you for all your amazing work!!”

· Claire · Teacher

“I loved how the hands on experiment tied in so well with the information relating to weather, and it really gave my kids deeper understanding about the water cycle, the atmosphere, and how clouds form.”

· Ginny · Teacher

“My students are deaf and hard of hearing, so they need a lot of visuals and hands on activities. I loved how the videos of the skydivers to show what is in a cloud were so awesome and a good matching level for my students. The hands-on activities,and great visuals help them have a better understanding of the activity and concepts related to the activity. ”

· Toni · Teacher

“Great lesson. I teach high school students with moderate to severe disabilities and they LOVE these lessons. The videos provide the visual component they need to learn and the experiments provide the hands on. We love this website!!”

· Kathy · Teacher

“The lesson was so easy to follow and the kids were excited and engaged. Can't wait for more!”

· Emily · Teacher

“Students loved the short videos and most of all the hands on experiment. Their homeroom teachers told me the students couldn’t quit talking about how much fun they had in Science class!”

· Lisa · Teacher

“Loved it! A perfect lesson for an introduction to our weather unit.”

· Sarah · Teacher

“Some kids thought clouds were thicker and harder to pass through, it's a great video to clean up that misconception!”

· Dana · Teacher

“My special needs students loved it! They are asking for more!”

· · Teacher

“It's so user friendly and easy and short! Love the videos! Love the handouts! Thank you so much!”

· Justine · Teacher

“My 8-year old and 6-year old LOVED the whole thing. They were spellbound by the short video lectures, and had a ton of fun with the activity. My 8-year old was able to fill out the worksheet independently and also helped my 6-year old fill out her worksheet. They both wanted to do another Mystery Science lesson right away the next day.”

· Denise · Homeschooler

“I love this so far! So excited for the wonderful support!”

· Julie · Teacher

“The kids really understood the idea from the experiment with the hot water and cup.”

· Amber · Teacher

“the questions that got the students talking and thinking.”

· Amy · Teacher

“Great discussion . . . learned tons of stuff.”

· Leslie · Teacher

“The cloud in the room, got the kids thinking . They wanted to try making some of their own.”

· Samantha · Teacher

“The kids loved the experiment, what seemed so simple to me... really engaged my students.”

· Echo · Teacher

“kids loved the clouds section. to be able to visualise changes we see everyday in the weather, has been so exciting for them”

· Marieta · Homeschooler

“students are loving these units”

· Wendy · Teacher

“Explaining things kids see in their everyday lives - ie comparing the appearance of clouds to mists of water. The water vapor activity also worked very well.”

· MacKenzie · Teacher

“My students liked the hands-on experiment. They were very engaged and can't wait for the next lesson!”

· Corrine · Teacher

“The best part was that the lesson was laid out with everything I needed. It was easy to follow. The videos are excellent and the students the loved the experiment! It kept everyone's attention. Thank you! ”

· Amy · Teacher

“It's simple enough to be easily understood, but the learning goals are clearly accomplished. ”

· Tom · Teacher

“seeing a person skydive into a real cloud.”

· · Other

“loved it thats all my kids are doing is looking at the clouds and predicting weather.”

· Shellie · Teacher

“The kids' biggest question, "Why are clouds white?", was answered. ”

· Jan · Teacher

“I did it with my 5th graders even though I thought it might be too easy for them. They all really enjoyed the lesson - some actually thought clouds were solid and soft, so there was some learning going on. ”

· Jonathan · Teacher

“My students are so excited, they are begging me to continue the lessons. This is super easy and very educational. I learn as well. :)”

· Shana · Teacher

“We are reviewing weather concepts this week. Mystery Science helped keep things "fresh" and cleared up some misconceptions the students still had.”

· Linda · Teacher

“The video with the sky diving through the clouds connected clouds with condensation clearly so the experiment had a solid context. Students loved this lesson. ”

· Claire · Teacher

“We loved it! Can't wait to continue after Spring break! thanks!”

· Connie · Teacher

“We (teachers AND students) love Mystery Science!”

· Karla · Teacher

“I LOVED that I could do almost the who lesson without needing to put a huge amount of prep time into it. Obtaining the clear cups with lids and hot water was the most challenging and time consuming part of the lesson. I continue to hear my students discussing clouds types when we are outside. I also loved the cloud identification part and being in the Pacific Northwest, I was able to take pictures of our local landmarks with clouds. The kids identified the clouds and were excited that they knew the area! Unfortunately, we are continuously struggling to keep the pace with our current common core curriculum in math and reading, which pushes science to the back ground way too often!! Thanks again for your help! Donna Hollon”

· · Teacher

“Students were actively engaged! The video clips along with the questions posed were excellent. They led to student written responses and discussion.”

· Kerry · Teacher

“Being able to see what happens when you go through a cloud had the kids in awe. Great fun and discussion.”

· Tiffeni · Teacher

“The visuals pictures were captivating.”

· Jeff · Teacher

“The video showing the parachuter jumping through the cloud! Awesome representation of condensation!”

· Andrea · Teacher

“The videos are always the best....they let the kids see and hear about science in a way that as a classroom teacher I can not quickly give them. Thank you!!”

· Nicol · Teacher

“The children were able to see science happen right before their eyes. They understood what was going on. They also had a chance to write down and discuss it together. ”

· Melissa · Teacher

“The students were engaged throughout the lesson! They got into some great discussions about the nature of clouds and what causes clouds to form. Interestingly, the lids with water vapor felt quite cool to the touch, even while the water at the bottom of the cups was still warm. The video stops at just the right places to enable you to wait for students to complete a step before continuing on. I think the students with vaporizers at home are going to attempt to create their own indoor clouds at home!”

· Bertice · Teacher

“My kids called it a "Water Cycle in a Cup." Great hands-on and easily done experiment.”

· Amanda · Teacher

“Students were able to better understand the process of evaporation through the "sped up" video example and the concept was reinforced when trapping water in a cup. Engaging and little prep required! ”

· Teressa · Teacher

“It made us want to feel a cloud. It made our teacher want to bring her humidifier to school tomorrow. It was fantastic to watch the video and see the droplets form in the cup. We liked seeing the picture of the cloud that was created in a room. We had fun watching the water evaporate and learning what the word evaporation means. ”

· Kasturi · Teacher

“It's everything we need! It's interactive, hands-on, FUN!”

· Christine · Teacher

“This was a wonderful lesson that engaged all of my students. The activity was fun for them and they understood the concept. Thanks for this wonderful website...I love that I can learn with the kids!!”

· Debbie · Teacher

“The best part was when the students realized a cloud had really formed inside the cup. The oohs and aahs were so great to hear!”

· Dyan · Teacher

“When the kids realized that they now had the "power" to predict the weather!”

· Amy · Teacher

“All of it...seriously, great job on the videos, the explaining, the experiment. We are a very visual learning family and this was fantastic! ”

· Stacy · Homeschooler

“The content generated excellent student questions to extend the learning. ”

· Leticia · Teacher

“The experiment and observing all the other things the show us condensation e.g. shower screen, our breath in the air etc. Thanks! ”

· Vicki · Homeschooler

“My students loved the videos throughout the lesson. The lab was the perfect length for the amount of time I had to teach my class. I taught this lesson to three groups of fourth graders and they were involved and excited throughout the lesson. Excellent Job! Thank you! ”

· Laurie · Teacher

“All the students were engaged in the video presentations and the discussions afterwards. The students especially enjoyed the hands-on experience of the Gas Trap experiment. The questions for the students to answer as they did their experiment were easy to understand and helped show their understanding of water in gas form.”

· Carla · Teacher

“They loved it! Straight up. To be honest, they enjoy doing Mystery Science more than they do the materials that come with our science kit provided by the school corporation that I work for. I think it is really cool that Mystery Science is interactive and in such a digital age that is key.”

· · Teacher

“I love Mystery Science so much! It's one of the most amazing teaching tools I've ever used! Thank you so much! My third graders and I love it!”

· Timothy · Teacher

“Oh my goodness, my kids LOVED making "the cloud!!" And they were captivated by the videos! I loved the way that the slideshow showed real examples of things they would understand, and then provided time/questions for discussion. And then followed up the experiment with further information/video. Best purchase I've made all year!”

· Mandi · Homeschooler

“The kids loved the experiment, and the video of the skydiver going through the clouds was a huge plus.”

· David · Teacher

“My class absolutely loved this lesson!!! It was fun and engaging and the experiment was easy but they also learned a lot. I can't wait to teach the next lesson!”

· Samantha · Teacher

“Kids are just completely engaged! They love the videos and narration, especially the real world examples. As a teacher, I love the step by step directions. This is the most amazing resource!”

· Becky · Teacher

“It's hard to just pick just one part! The video lessons and guidance are terrific! The skyjumpers in the video as an example really grabbed my son's attention. The experiment was fun, fundamental in understanding, and the walk-through video makes him feel independent. Thank you!”

· Denise · Homeschooler

“Students really began to understand the concepts within the water cycle. LIGHTS CAME ON!”

· Misty · Teacher

“Great explanation. I could not have explained it any better.”

· Brandise · Teacher

“The experiment was so much fun!!!! (And very easy to set up!)”

· Melissa · Teacher

“The exploration was the best part. Listening to the class and hearing their comments when they were checking out the water on the sides of the clear cup, etc. It's like magic for them. Also helps them gain a greater understanding. Thanks for all you guys do.”

· Marci · Teacher

“The best part was the expression on my kids' faces when we learned that clouds were not soft, cotton-candy like, but water droplets. All my children took home their cups and lids to do the experiment again at home. When they came back, they reported all that they had done at home. They were so excited!”

· Dana · Teacher

“The video on clouds was the best I have ever seen.”

· Paul · Teacher

“I LOVE every Mystery Science lesson I have shown to my class. I loved watching them experience seeing a cloud in a glass in this particular one. Also, the pictures of clouds were amazing and my students were able to pick out the type of clouds in the sky the next day.”

· Celeste · Teacher

“The students loved the activity, I loved how easy it was and well structured to get the kids thinking and address any preconceptions/misconceptions right from the start!”

· Laura · Teacher

“I like how the directions repeat so that kids can look up if they're confused. Even though the students learned about some of the content last year, they were still engaged and loved the videos”

· Wendy · Teacher

“I gave this lesson during a principal observation. She LOVED it. We both agreed it goes very well with the 5E model.”

· Sarah · Teacher

“My girls loved this lesson. They really got into the experiments and was running around the house telling everyone what a cloud was made of. This was awesome. ”

· Carey · Homeschooler

Gas Trap Experiment printout	1 per student
Clean-up Supplies (Eg. Paper Towels) In case of spills.	Details 1 roll per class
Container for Water Any container that can hold about one cup of hot water will work.	Details 1 container per group
Scissors	1 pair per student
Clear Plastic Cups w/ Lids (16 oz) Any waterproof lid will do. It doesn’t have to fit tightly. You could also use clear jars.	Details 1 cup per student

Where do clouds come from?

Discuss

cloud

matter

states of matter

solid

liquid

gas

water vapor

rain

fog

evaporation

condensation

melt

boil

experiment

observe

Image & Video Credits

16 mins

30 mins

4 mins

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Activities

Mini-lessons

Discussions

Transcripts

Where do clouds come from?

Discuss

cloud

matter

states of matter

solid

liquid

gas

water vapor

rain

fog

evaporation

condensation

melt

boil

experiment

observe

Image & Video Credits

Featured Reviews

Activity Prep

Decide How to Distribute Hot Water

16 mins

30 mins

4 mins

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Unit Reading

Does Any Place Not Have Fall?

Activities

Disappearing Puddles

Two Cups

Mini-lessons

Discussions

Transcripts

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