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.
Location
Decorah, Iowa July 22, 2023 8:22 p.m.
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 Suggestions
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.
Iowa Core Alignment
3-ESS2-2:Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world
Credit Info
Submitted by Brittany Ligenfelter and Bri Lingenfelter.