1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,120 Thanks, Dr. Stevens. 2 00:00:04,120 --> 00:00:07,720 I really had no idea how much the clouds impacted our weather. 3 00:00:07,720 --> 00:00:11,560 Well, now it's time to see how much you've learned, and it's time for you to size up 4 00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:13,000 the clouds. 5 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:17,120 Students from the School of International Studies at Meadowbrook in Norfolk, Virginia, 6 00:00:17,120 --> 00:00:22,960 will preview part one of this program's hands-on activity. 7 00:00:22,960 --> 00:00:27,480 NASA Connect asked us to show you this program's hands-on activity. 8 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:32,560 In this activity, you will set up three simulated clouds representing three different cloud 9 00:00:32,560 --> 00:00:33,560 types. 10 00:00:33,560 --> 00:00:39,480 You will use different methods to estimate precipitation content in each cloud type. 11 00:00:39,480 --> 00:00:44,520 The precipitation from each cloud will be released, and you will compare your estimates 12 00:00:44,520 --> 00:00:48,360 with what is actually occurring on the ground. 13 00:00:48,360 --> 00:00:53,160 In addition to learning about weather forecasting, we will also be using math skills like estimation, 14 00:00:53,160 --> 00:00:56,480 percentages, averages, and ratios. 15 00:00:56,480 --> 00:01:01,000 You can download a copy of the Educator Guide containing directions and a list of materials 16 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:03,600 from the NASA Connect website. 17 00:01:03,600 --> 00:01:09,200 Teachers should cut a three-quarter inch diameter hole in the center of the bottom of three 18 00:01:09,200 --> 00:01:11,440 different foam cups. 19 00:01:11,440 --> 00:01:13,600 Cover the hole with a Post-it note. 20 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:17,120 Place about one ounce of M&Ms in a plastic bag. 21 00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:21,400 Twist the bag tightly and tie the excess bag in a knot. 22 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:24,480 Cut off the excess to make a compact bundle. 23 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:27,880 Make a second bag following the same procedure. 24 00:01:27,880 --> 00:01:28,880 Select any cup. 25 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:31,520 Pour in about half full of M&Ms. 26 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:38,120 Then add a bundle of M&Ms and fill more loose M&Ms into the cup until it is three-quarters 27 00:01:38,120 --> 00:01:39,120 full. 28 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:44,120 The loose M&Ms will represent the amount of precipitation in each cloud. 29 00:01:44,120 --> 00:01:48,280 Fill the second cup to about one-third full of M&Ms. 30 00:01:48,280 --> 00:01:52,880 Fill the third cup to about one-fourth full of M&Ms. 31 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:58,360 Add a bundle of M&Ms and then continue filling with loose M&Ms until the cup is one-half 32 00:01:58,360 --> 00:01:59,360 full. 33 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:05,320 Secure the lids on the cups by taping the joint with masking tape or transparent tape. 34 00:02:05,320 --> 00:02:10,600 Invert the cups and label each cup cloud type X, Y, and Z. 35 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:15,040 Below this, write the actual capacity of the cups chosen. 36 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:16,840 Line up the cups on a table. 37 00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:22,840 Students will estimate how many ounces of precipitation each cloud type contains. 38 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:25,000 Write the estimate onto the data sheet. 39 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:29,840 Next, remove the post-it note and shine a flashlight into the hole. 40 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:35,040 Make a new estimate of how many ounces of precipitation each cloud type contains and 41 00:02:35,040 --> 00:02:37,180 record it on your data sheet. 42 00:02:37,180 --> 00:02:39,760 Do this for each cloud type. 43 00:02:39,760 --> 00:02:44,520 Choose a person to weigh each cloud type cup on a scale. 44 00:02:44,520 --> 00:02:46,040 Record the weight ounces. 45 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:50,520 Remember, weight ounces do not equal volume ounces. 46 00:02:50,520 --> 00:02:55,520 Once you have collected all of the data, you will revise your precipitation estimate. 47 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:58,440 Based on your data, answer these questions. 48 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:01,240 How does the data compare with your estimates? 49 00:03:01,240 --> 00:03:03,440 What factors might cause differences? 50 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:09,400 If you had another cloud type of a different size, would the data collected make for a 51 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:12,600 more accurate precipitation forecast? 52 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:14,480 Discuss these findings with your class.