All About Clouds: Educational Cloud Reading Passages for Kids

Are your students curious about the fluffy shapes they see floating across the sky? This All About Clouds collection brings the wonder of weather straight into your classroom. Whether you’re teaching about the water cycle, weather systems, or atmospheric science, these NGSS-aligned reading comprehension passages are perfect for middle-grade learners.

Each passage in this Clouds series features clear explanations, vivid visuals, and interactive activities—including multiple-choice questions, vocabulary practice, and short-answer prompts. Perfect for science centers, weather units, or independent work!

🌤️ 1. What Are Clouds?

Start with the basics! This passage explains how clouds form from tiny water droplets or ice crystals when warm, moist air rises and cools. Kids learn about condensation, cloud height, and why clouds float instead of falling!

💡 Great for introducing key concepts like vapor, condensation, and the atmosphere.

🌬️ 2. Why Do Clouds Float in the Sky?

Clouds are made of water—so why don’t they fall? This passage explores how air pressure, tiny droplet size, and rising warm air help keep clouds suspended above us. A perfect example of science in everyday life!

💡 Connects weather phenomena with invisible forces like buoyancy and convection.

🌧️ 3. Why Do Clouds Turn Grey?

This passage explains why clouds change from bright white to dark grey, especially before it rains. Kids will learn about light scattering, cloud thickness, and how cloud color can help us predict the weather.

💡 A great way to connect visual observation with scientific explanation!

☁️ 4. Why Are Clouds White?

A simple yet fascinating explanation of how clouds reflect all the colors of sunlight. Students learn why we usually see clouds as white, and how sunlight scattering changes with cloud depth and angle.

💡 Pairs well with lessons on light and the visible spectrum.

💧 5. What Are Clouds Made Of?

This passage reinforces that clouds are made of water droplets or ice, not cotton! It also describes how clouds can grow, become heavy, and produce precipitation like rain, snow, or hail.

💡 Excellent support for NGSS units on the water cycle and Earth systems.

❄️ 6. What Are Cirrus Clouds Made Of?

Perfect for high-altitude exploration! This passage teaches about cirrus clouds, which form high in the sky from ice crystals and often signal a change in the weather. Kids also learn how wind shapes these wispy formations.

💡 A great tie-in with lessons on weather forecasting and air layers.

🌫️ 7. What Are Nimbostratus Clouds Made Of?

These thick, dark clouds bring steady rain or snow. Students learn how they form, what they’re made of, and how they differ from thunderstorm clouds. Bonus: Latin roots like “nimbus” and “stratus” help build science vocabulary!

💡 Supports ELA + science crossover with vocabulary and weather observation.

🎓 Why Teachers and Parents Would Love These Resources:

• ✅ NGSS-aligned (perfect for MS-ESS2-6 and related weather standards)
• ✅ Student-friendly reading levels
• ✅ Engaging visuals and comic-style illustrations
• ✅ Includes MCQs, vocabulary activities, and short-answer questions
• ✅ Builds science knowledge AND reading comprehension skills

Whether you’re building a full weather unit or just want high-quality nonfiction passages for science literacy, this  teaching resource on Clouds offers everything you need. These resources help students observe the sky—and understand what they’re really seeing up there!

👉 Explore the full set of NGSS-aligned Earth System’s passages now and help your students become science thinkers!