Cloud Observation Journal

(Task Design)

Objective: Observe and record cloud types, coverage, and altitude over the course of one week. Also, note the time of day, weather conditions,
and any changes in temperature or wind speed to understand the impact of cloud cover on local weather.
Materials:
• Cloud observation journal template (see format below)
• Weather instruments (optional): thermometer, anemometer
Week-Long Schedule:
• Day 1-3: Morning observations
• Day 4-6: Afternoon observations
• Day 7: Full-day observations (morning and afternoon)

Format for Cloud Observation Journal:

Student Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
1. Day and Time of Observation:
• Date: ________________
• Time: ________________
2. Weather Conditions:
• Temperature: ________________ (in degrees Celsius)
• Wind Speed: ________________ (use anemometer if available or simply download digital anemometer)
• Other Weather Notes: ________________ (e.g., sunny, overcast)
3. Cloud Observations:
• Cloud Types:
• Cirrus: ________________
• Cumulus: ________________
• Stratus: ________________
• Other (if observed): ________________
 • Cloud Coverage:
• Clear sky
• Partially cloudy
• Mostly cloudy
• Overcast
• Cloud Altitude:
• High (cirrus clouds)
• Mid-level (altostratus clouds)
• Low (stratus clouds)
4. Additional Notes:
• Any noticeable changes or patterns observed
• Other relevant observations
• Include documentations
5. Reflections
Scoring Rubric: Cloud Observation Journal
Score (out
Criteria Exemplary (10) Proficient (8) Basic (5) Limited (2)
of 70)
Accurately records all Accurately records most Inconsistently records Fails to consistently
required details for all required details for all required details for some record required details
Completeness and
days with a high level days, demonstrating a days, with some for most days, leading to
Accuracy of Entries
of detail. solid understanding of inaccuracies present. significant inaccuracies.
cloud observation.
Consistently notes Generally, notes accurate Inconsistently notes time Fails to consistently note
precise time of day time of day and weather of day and weather time and weather
Detail in Time and
and detailed weather conditions for most conditions for some conditions, leading to
Weather Conditions
conditions for all observations. observations, with some significant gaps in
observations. inaccuracies. information.
Changes in Consistently records Generally, records Inconsistently records Fails to consistently
Temperature and changes in changes in temperature changes in temperature record changes in
Wind Speed temperature and wind and wind speed for most and wind speed for some temperature and wind
 speed for all days of days, with only minor days, with several speed for most days.
observation. omissions. omissions.
Maintains a consistent Generally, maintains a Inconsistently maintains a Lacks consistency in data
approach to data consistent approach, with consistent approach for collection for most days,
Consistency in Data
collection throughout only minor variations in some days, leading to resulting in significant
Collection
the designated period data collection. some confusion in the confusion and
for all days. data. inconsistency.
Accurately identifies Accurately identifies and Inconsistently identifies Struggles to identify and
and classifies all classifies most observed and classifies cloud types classify cloud types
Identification and observed cloud types cloud types for all days, for some days, with accurately for most days.
Classification of for all days, using with occasional errors. several errors.
Cloud Types appropriate
terminology and
characteristics.
Provides insightful Provides adequate Provides limited Lacks meaningful
reflections and reflections and analysis reflections and analysis for reflections and analysis
analysis for all days, for all days, making some days, with only basic for most days, failing to
Reflection and drawing clear some connections connections made. make clear connections
Analysis connections between between cloud between observations and
cloud observations observations and weather weather concepts.
and broader weather concepts.
concepts.
Organizes and Organizes and presents Organizes observations Organization and
presents observations observations in a clear with minimal creativity for presentation lack
in a highly creative and organized manner for some days, resulting in a creativity and clarity for
Creativity and
and visually appealing all days, with some basic presentation. most days.
Presentation
manner for all days, creativity.
enhancing overall
clarity.
TOTAL