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My NASA Data Lesson Plan: Storm Clouds-- Fly over a Late Winter Storm onboard a NASA Earth Observing Satellite DLESE Reviewed Collection
This lesson plan uses Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) cloud data and a weather map to explore cloud coverage during a winter storm. When atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, study weather patterns, they may use several different sources of information. For example, in studying storm patterns, they may use a combination of Earth Observing Satellite data, such as from CERES, weather satellite imagery, such as from NOAA, and geographical tools to determine locations and paths of storms. As one part of the training to analyze this data and imagery, scientists look at 'case studies' such as the late winter storm shown in the weather satellite imagery included with the lesson. An infrared satellite image looks at the temperature. Cold things (like high clouds) are very bright. Warm things (like Mexico and Florida) are dark. The imagery can be compared to data collected by other satellites, so that improved models of storm patterns can be developed.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Classroom activity
    • Computer activity
    • Case study
    • Lesson plan
    • Problem set
    • Project
  • Visual:
    • Illustration - artistic
    • Illustration - scientific
    • Imagery - remotely sensed
    • Map
    • Photograph
    • Visualization - scientific
  • Text:
    • Glossary
    • Abstract / Summary
  • Portal:
    • Educational
  • Services:
    • Ask an expert
  • Dataset:
    • Modeled
    • Remotely sensed
  • Tools:
    • Software
  • Physical object
Subject:
  • Atmospheric science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Climatology
  • Space science
  • Technology
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
Cost information is not known
This product is free and clear for general use.
DLESE Catalog ID: NASA-ESERevProd651
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
        • Understanding about scientific inquiry
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Structure of the earth system
      • E - Science and technology:
        • Abilities of technological design
        • Understandings about sci. / tech.
    • 9-12:
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
        • Understandings about scientific inquiry
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Energy in the earth system
      • E - Science and technology:
        • Abilities of technological design
        • Understandings about science and technology
  • National Geography Standards:
    • Places and regions:
      • The physical and human characteristics of places
    • The world in spatial terms:
      • How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Contact: Lin H.
NASA LaRC