Fog in Iowa

It was 8:22 p.m. on July 22 in Decorah, Iowa, in the summer of 2023. The temperature hovered around 70 degrees. We were driving and as we were coming over a hill, we observed fog at the bottom of the hill.

Driving Question

• Why and when do we see fog?

Probing Questions

• What causes fog to form?
• How does temperature affect when we see fog in different environments?
• How does the time of day affect when we see fog?
• What are some land features that are commonly found near fog?

Classroom Activities

Students could:

• Create fog in a jar by pouring hot water into a clear jar, adding a few ice cubes, and then placing a lid on top. As the warm air cools down, you'll see fog forming inside the jar.
• Go outside on a foggy day and observe the fog firsthand. Encourage them to describe what they see, feel, and hear.
• Demonstrate the concept of how fog is formed by placing a cold can/glass in a warm space. The moisture in the air will condense on the cold surface, creating a layer of “fog” on the can/glass.

Resources

• PBS LearningMedia | Quest: The Science of Fog: Explore the mysterious origins of fog.
• Fast Facts for Kids | Fast Facts About Fog: Kid friendly fast facts about fog.
• Pacific Science Center | Fog in a Jar: Instructions on how to create fog in a jar.
• National Weather Service | Fog Types: Information on types of fog, helpful when talking about what fog looks like in different areas.