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Contrails cover image showing a contrail in the sky.

Audience

Educators

Grade Levels

Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Subject

Earth Science, Physical Science, Human Interactions and Environment, Weather and Climate, Energy, Flight and Aeronautics, Forces and Motion

Type

Lesson Plans / Activities

AIRSPACE

Contrails

In this Contrails lesson, an artificial cloud is produced inside a 500 ml flask by using water vapor, smoke as the condensing nucleus, and changes in pressure. The cloud production is similar to how contrails form behind a jet engine. Students will learn how condensation nuclei and water vapor combine to create contrails.

Contrails (K-12)

Grade Level: K-12

Time Required: 60 minutes

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science K-4:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Properties of objects and materials
  • Position and motion of objects
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology
  • Personal health
  • Characteristics and changes in populations
  • Changes in environments
  • Science and technology in local challenges

Science 5-8:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Motions and forces
  • Transfer of energy
  • Personal health
  • Populations, resources, and environments
  • Risks and benefits
  • Science and technology in society
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Science 9-12:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Motions and forces
  • Interactions of energy and matter
  • Personal community health
  • Environmental quality
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Topic: Clouds, Contrails, Pollution, Phase Changes

This activity is part of the Museum in a Box Lessons