Cloud Types Worksheet

The MatchCard Science Cloud Types Worksheet gives practice identifying 5 types of clouds.

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MatchCard Science Types of Clouds Worksheet

Objective: Identify cloud types.

MatchCard: Download below.

MatchCard Information Pieces match cloud types and descriptions to the diagram. Ideas for projects are listed on the instructor's page and below.

Using the Cloud Types MatchCard

This is MatchCard #8 of the Weather Unit Study. Directions for using MatchCards are below.

Hands-On Projects for Cloud Formations

Let's Make a Cloud

This hands-on demonstration allows students to watch a cloud form in a glass jar.

• Fill a transparent jar or glass with one inch of water.
• Microwave for about one minute. Adult supervision is needed. The water should be warm, but not boiling hot.
• Cut two inches off the toe of an old pair of panty hose or knee highs. (Ask permission first.)
• With a rubber band, secure the stocking to the jar, so the stocking creates a lid that dips into the jar.
• Put two or three ice cubes into the jar.
• Watch as the cloud forms.

Other Cloud Activities

In addition to making a cloud in a jar, matching the MatchCard terms and diagrams, there are several other hands-on activities for the students to learn about the different types of clouds.

Cloud Charting
After learning about the different cloud types below, students can observe the sky every day. Keep a chart of the types of clouds they observe. What weather follows the different clouds?

Cloud Poster Make a poster showing the different types of clouds. Glue cotton to the poster board to represent the clouds. Here are some ideas:

• Cirrus clouds - Pull thin wisps of cotton to represent these clouds.
• Altostratus - Cotton padding used in quilting or for snow decorations at Christmas can be used. Felt can also be used.
• Stratus - These are smaller and a little fluffier than the altostratus. Cut a smaller piece of the cotton padding, but bunch it up a little.
• Cumulous - Every one likes the fluffy cumulous clouds. Use cotton balls. Several can be glued together.
• Cumulonimbus - Use more cotton balls than were used on the cumulous clouds. Rub them in charcoal or grey tempra paint to make them dark.

Cloud Art
Use painting, drawing, or other art media to portray the different types of clouds.

Observe the Artists In addition to noting the types of clouds in the actual sky, have students become aware of the clouds in paintings. What techniques does an artist use to portray the clouds and sky?

Types of Clouds Worksheets

Cirrus Clouds

Cirrus clouds are feathery, wispy clouds.

They are the highest clouds: above 6000 meters.

Cirrus clouds are associated with nice weather.

Altostratus Clouds

Alto clouds are the mid level. They are between 2000 and 6000.

Altostratus clouds are long, flat, grey clouds that often cover the entire sky.

They are associated with coming rain.

Stratus Clouds

The stratus clouds are the lower. They are less than 2000 meters from the ground.

They are long flat clouds. The clouds cover much, but not all of the sky.

They are not usually associated with rain.

Cumulous Clouds

Cumulous clouds are fluffy, cotton like clouds.

They may be low towards the ground and grow upward in the sky.

When they fill with rain, they become cumulonimbus clouds.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

These are tall, dark clouds.

The cumulonimbus clouds become darker as they fill with water vapor.

They are associated with rain and thunderstorms.