Air Masses, Clouds and Weather Change

Clouds are made up of trillions of water droplets and are an essential component of the water cycle. The different compositions of clouds serve specific functions which are directly connected to the various air masses. The movement of air masses creates changing weather and cloud formations. This phenomena can be observed right outside your classroom throughout the entire year. 

How does the movement of air masses affect cloud formation? 

• Based on your experience, what connection have you noticed between different cloud characteristics like size, shape, and color, and changes in weather?
• What factors might cause clouds to take different shapes, sizes, and colors?
• Why do you think certain air mass collisions can cause severe or dangerous weather? 

Students could:

• Observe the cloud formations outside the classroom and investigate how cloud formation and air mass collision affect the weather. 
• Record observations of natural air mass movement on weather monitoring systems while they record their observations. 
• Create a model that demonstrates the movement of air masses and weather change. 
• Utilize their past and future experiences with weather to develop their understanding then propose, carry out and present their investigation. 

• UCAR Center for Science Education | Clouds Form Due to Weather Fronts: This website directly explains the cause of clouds due to air mass collisions and weather fronts. This resource would be advantageous to have students read and digest. 
• Generation Genius (2019) | AIR Masses and Weather Fronts Grades 6-8 (Lesson Plan): Lesson plan for air masses and weather fronts for grade 6-8. Lesson connects to NGSS and has classroom activities, connected slides, and in-depth description. 
• Generation Genius | Air Masses & Weather Fronts: 15-minute video explaining the characteristics of air masses and their effect on weather. This video also shows interactive models teachers can re-create in their classroom. 
• PBS LearningMedia | NOVA Labs: Clouds and Weather: Learn about the relationships among the Sun, clouds, and weather in this video excerpt from NOVA's Cloud Lab. Studying atmospheric conditions on a large scale can help forecast local and regional weather as well as the global climate.This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions.