What Are the Different Types of Clouds?

Are your students learning about the different types of clouds? Or perhaps you are introducing your students to the water cycle and clouds’ role in the process. Let’s take a quick look at the 4 main types of clouds.

The four main types of clouds are:

• Cumulus clouds: These are white, fluffy clouds that often have flat bottoms and rounded tops. They are associated with fair weather but can also indicate a thunderstorm if they grow taller and darker.

• Stratus clouds: These are low-lying clouds that form a flat, uniform layer. They often bring overcast conditions and can produce drizzle or light rain.

• Cirrus clouds: These are thin, wispy clouds that form high in the sky. They are made up of ice crystals and are often associated with fair weather. However, they can also indicate an approaching storm.

• Nimbus clouds: These are dark, gray clouds that are associated with rain or snow. The term “nimbus” is often used in combination with other cloud types to indicate that precipitation is falling from them, such as ‘cumulonimbus’ or ‘nimbostratus.’

Teach Starter has created a teaching presentation that you can use with your students to help them understand the different types of clouds.

This presentation contains 19 slides that are filled with colorful photographs and easy-to-follow information regarding clouds that will keep your students interested and motivated.

When using this instructional slide deck, the teacher should guide the class or group through the presentation. There are opportunities for student discussion with a partner as well as check for understanding opportunities throughout.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

To provide additional support, deliver the information in small “chunks,” allowing time for students to process. 

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students needing a challenge, encourage students to create an infographic or comic showing the different types of clouds.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown arrow next to the Download button to access this resource’s editable Powerpoint or Google Slides version.

Katy Blevins, a Teach Starter collaborator contributed to this resource.