This resource includes a page of images for each cloud type and four simple hands-on activities. In "Heat Up, Rise Up," students will create a basic thermometer from a straw and investigate the temperature differences as air expands and contracts. In "Rise Above It All," students will model cloud formation by observing how hot water/air rises through cold water/air. In "How Wet is the Air?" students will explore relative humidity. In "How Cold is Enough?" students will continue to investigate cloud formation by inducing condensation on a container of water.

Students learn how volcanic eruptions affect global climate. To begin, students listen to first-hand accounts of the effects of a large volcanic eruption and then illustrate their understanding of the effects upon the landscape and the atmosphere. Next, students are introduced to the effects a major volcanic eruption had on the atmosphere through the use of recent and historical images.

Students will create a model of a coastline and model hurricane conditions that produce storm surge. Students will make observations concerning the winds' impact on the coastline. Please note that the referenced link is to the student activity only. Details regarding instructional implementation can be found on page 18 of the Kids' Crossing Guide for Educators found at: www.eo.ucar.edu/educators/UsingKC_class_all.pdf

Students will investigate the types of underground conditions that make the best aquifer. Please note that the referenced link is to the student activity only. Details regarding instructional implementation can be found on page 9 of the Kids' Crossing Guide for Educators found at: http://www.eo.ucar.edu/educators/UsingKC_class_all.pdf

Students will make a model that shows how lakes and rivers are connected in a watershed.

Students will understand the differences between saltwater and fresh water, and observe what happens when they come together in a delta or estuary.

This online resource provides information and images that cover the major cycles of the earth system (energy, water, atmosphere, carbon, nitrogen, and rock cycles).

Students observe convection in water due to temperature differences and describe the pattern of water movement with words and pictures. During a class discussion students learn that the same process happens in both the oceans and the atmosphere.

Students will make a model glacier and observe how glaciers shape the land.

This module was designed to be used in conjunction with lectures and textbooks or as a supplemental laboratory activity. Additionally, the satellite imagery, conceptual graphics, and animations found in this module can be reused in lectures, discussions, and evaluation instruments. The website provides hands-on practice with interpretation of satellite imagery. Background information about hurricanes is also provided.

Students will use photographs to interpret change in glaciers over time and explain how this illustrates global climate change.