Fronts

Today 5th Graders learned about fronts and air masses and fronts.  An air mass is just a body of similar air.

A front is when two air masses meet.

A cold front is when the cold mass moves toward the warm air mass.  Since the cold air mass is more dense (slow moving particles) it moves under the warm air mass.

A warm front is when the warm air mass rises and moves over the cold air mass. The warm mass rises because warm air is less dense (the particles are spread out from moving quickly.)

Here is an example of a warm front.

Our experiment consisted of making a cold front.  We had to use water as a model for our air (since air is invisible!)  Watch as the cold "air" mass moves under our warm "air" mass.

Here is a fun activity for you to try using what you know about hot and cold "air."
underwater volcano from Southeast Missourian

For additional information on forecasting the weather, look at 
weather wiz kids.com

5th Graders don't forget to study for the Science Bee over break!
I will add new weather questions by Friday.
Science Bee Page