Warm-Up (5 min)
Show a photo of a supercell thunderstorm. Ask: "If you saw this sky, how much time would you have before the storm hits?" Collect predictions.
Cloud Families (12 min)
Introduce cirrus (high, wispy), cumulus (puffy, fair-weather), stratus (low, blanket-like), and nimbus (rain-bearing). Show one photo per family and one satellite view.
Field Observation (10 min)
If safe, take students outside for 10 minutes to observe and sketch the current sky. Have them classify what they see and note wind direction.
Weather Map Reading (15 min)
Distribute a printed U.S. surface map. Students identify: cold front (blue triangles), warm front (red half-circles), high vs. low pressure. Predict tomorrow's weather for a city in each region.
Storm Case Study (8 min)
Show a 30-second radar loop of a real thunderstorm. Discuss why meteorologists issue watches vs. warnings. Preview tomorrow's tornado-safety lesson.
