Types of Clouds Activity with Cotton Balls

Learning about all the different types of clouds is so much fun! These Types of Clouds Activity with Cotton Balls will have you and your child digging deep into the wonders of the sky and also teach you both how to pick out the type of clouds that are floating over your heads.

>> See more fun weather activities

Just think of this fun activity as a way you can take your schooling outside. Once you make the various types of clouds with the supplies listed below, you and your child will be able to go out the front door and look up at the sky to see what you can see.

This means that you’ll be able to put to use everything that you just learned. And when you can combine education with real-world learning, that’s always a good idea! This identifying clouds activity for kids is simple, fun, and engaging!

The kids are really going to love this type of cloud activity. And who knows, you just might learn something new, too!

The fun thing about cloud identification is that you can actually learn right along with the kids.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been looking up at the sky, and I notice that the clouds are looking different than I’ve seen before.

Once you learn the names of the various clouds, you and the kids will have fun talking all about them!

You can even pick out clouds and talk about the shapes and what they resemble.

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Identifying Clouds Activity for Kids

The best part about this hands-on activity is that it’s great for younger kids and older ones, too. This allows them to learn with their minds and also create some really cool and varied clouds with their hands as well.

And what this means for you is that the next time you’re outside and your kids are looking up at the sky, you’ll know that they’re processing and thinking through all the clouds that you’re making from this simple cloud activity.

Recommended Weather Books for Kids

If you’re anything like us, we love to read. Here are some great weather books that will combine the lessons that you’re teaching with great stories in a book.

Explore My World CloudsWorm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)National Geographic Readers: WeatherNational Geographic Kids Ultimate Weatherpedia: The most complete weather reference everNational Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Weather (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)The Everything KIDS’ Weather Book: From Tornadoes to Snowstorms, Puzzles, Games, and Facts That Make Weather for Kids Fun!

 

What are the 4 types of clouds?

When it comes to clouds, there are 4 different types to be aware of. These are cumulus, cirrus, stratus, and nimbus. While there are 6 as a part of this lesson, the “extra” two are part of one of the main four listed in the sentence before.

Cirrus Clouds

Cirrus clouds are high clouds that look thin and feathery. They are made of ice crystals and get blown by the winds into different patterns.

Cumulus Clouds

These are low clouds that look like large cotton balls and come in all shapes, these clouds are the most fun to watch.

Stratus Clouds

These clouds look long and thin and cover the whole sky making things look very gloomy. The clouds are so thin that they don’t produce much rain or snow.

Stratocumulus Clouds

These grey and white patchy clouds may have a dark honeycomb look that says a storm may be coming.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

These low clouds form on hot weather days. Warm wet air rises to form clouds that look like mountains or towers. You will need to look out for rain, hail, or tornadoes.

Supplies needed for types of clouds activity

• Cotton balls
• Blue cardstock
• Black marker
• White labels
• Gray paint
• Paintbrush
• Glue

Recommended Weather Kits for Kids

These weather kits are great for kids that want to learn more about the weather in a hands-on and fun way.

4M Tornado Maker Science Kit, STEM Powered KidsMelissa & Doug Let’s Explore Weather/Seasons BoardBrookstone Children’s Weather Station Kit – Meteorologist STEAM ToySmartLab Toys Storm Watcher Weather Lab with 18 Wild and Windy ExperimentsWeather Station Kit – Climate Change, Global Warming, Lab – STEM ToysToys Weather Science Lab – Kids Weather Science Kit

 

What are fun outdoor activities to do with the kids?

Being in the great outdoors offers so many fun learning activities! Laying down and looking up at the clouds is one big part of being outside and exploring, but don’t forget all the other options as well.

This can be as simple as taking a walk, going on a hike, biking, planning a picnic, or taking books outside to enjoy reading together.

When you make an effort to connect with the kids in an outdoor space, everyone will enjoy having a fun time, while soaking up some of those great sun rays!

   

 

How To Make Clouds Activity

Since you now know all the cloud types because of these types of cloud activity, it’s time to make it happen! Write the cloud types on a white label with a black marker and stick them on a piece of paper to hold them in place. 

Place the labels on the paper in two columns and three rows. This helps with organization and ease.

You’re then going to want to create the clouds using the cotton balls. 

Remember that for this activity, you’re going to create clouds for cumulus, cirrus, stratus, nimbus, stratocumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds.

For the nimbus cloud, stratocumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds, use gray paint and paint a shade of gray where needed for each type of cloud. Let your child do this part and have them focus on really making certain that each of the clouds looks differently. 

Once they’re done, all that you have to do is take and glue the cotton in place on the paper under each cloud type.

As you can see, it’s a fun and simple activity that will really give the kids a real-world approach to what the clouds look like.

More Weather Activities

Need more weather ideas? Try one of these.

• Types of Clouds Worksheets – Take the time to learn more about the various clouds with the kids! It’s so much fun to do!
• Weather Activities for Toddlers – Learning about the weather doesn’t have to be hard! These simple tips can help!
• Weather Tracing Worksheets – Not only do these worksheets work on weather skills, but they work on handwriting skills as well.
• Cloud Activities for Kids – In case you need a few more clouds-related activities, I’ve got you covered!
• Clouds in a Jar Experiment – Learn how to create your own clouds.
• Weather Popsicle Stick Craft on Homeschool Preschool
• Free Weather Memory Game Printable on Homeschool of 1

Gather your cotton balls, paint, and other supplies to create your own clouds.

Download the weather chart printable below