Cloud Classification

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 build foundational meteorology skills by classifying clouds according to altitude and appearance. Learners carefully read scientific descriptions and use clues about shape, texture, and height to determine whether each cloud belongs to the high-, middle-, low-, or vertical-altitude category, strengthening observation, reading comprehension, and Earth science understanding.

Learning Goals

• Cloud Classification by Altitude (Grades 4-6) – Students identify high, middle, low, and vertical clouds using descriptive clues.
• Atmospheric Pattern Understanding – Learners connect cloud appearance to altitude, composition, and formation conditions.
• Scientific Observation Skills – Reinforces close reading and attention to detail when interpreting cloud descriptions.
• Categorization & Data Interpretation – Students organize information accurately using a structured chart.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary Earth and space science standards.
• Clear, Structured Format – Supports organized thinking and reduces cognitive overload.
• Builds Meteorology Foundations – Helps students distinguish between ice-crystal clouds, layered clouds, and puffy formations.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for independent practice, small groups, review lessons, science notebooks, or assessment.

This cloud classification worksheet helps students deepen their understanding of weather and atmospheric science through careful analysis and categorization. By organizing cloud types based on altitude and physical characteristics, learners strengthen science literacy, critical thinking, and observational reasoning. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool setting, this printable resource offers meaningful, low-prep practice that supports accurate understanding of cloud formation and weather patterns.

This worksheet is part of our Cloud Types and Formation Worksheets collection.