Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
Throughout this topic, you have seen images of clouds in the sky. But, what do clouds look like in real life? Due to the varying conditions of Earth’s atmosphere, clouds in the sky change each day. By observing the sky over several days, you will be able to observe the daily fluctuation is cloud cover and cloud type.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. Specifically, how will the clouds change from day to day? What will the cloud type tell you about the current weather? Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
*Please Note: You may also use a computer-based or mobile application to record your cloud illustrations on the Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report.
Procedure and Data Collection
Before you begin your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation, select a location and time to make your cloud observations each day. You should try to make the observations from the same location and around the same time to maintain consistency in your data reporting.
Data
Use the table provided in the Data section of your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report to record your data from this scientific investigation. An excerpt of the data table is also shown below:
Day Number | Date | Weather | Sky Sketch | Cloud Type |
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
3 | ||||
4 | ||||
5 |
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions:
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion based on your data. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the data and notes that you collected from your investigation to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed the Observable Clouds Scientific Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.