C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Weather & Climate·conceptual

Cloud Types

Identify the three main cloud types — cumulus (fluffy, fair weather), stratus (flat layers, overcast or drizzle), and cirrus (thin wisps, high up) — and understand that clouds form when water vapour in the air cools and condenses into tiny droplets

Suggested ages 7–9

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Learning journey

Your child is learning about weather science — how meteorologists forecast weather, what causes different weather patterns like wind and storms, and understanding the water cycle that brings us rain and snow.

Evidence of understanding

  • Name and describe the three main cloud types: cumulus, stratus, cirrus
  • Explain that clouds form when water vapour cools and condenses
  • Use cloud type to make a simple prediction about the weather

Assessment prompt

If Cloud Types looked up at the sky, could they identify whether the clouds are fluffy cumulus, flat stratus, or wispy cirrus, and explain that clouds are made of tiny water droplets?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.