Fog in Iowa

It was 8:22 p.m. on July 22 in Decorah, Iowa, in the summer of 2023. The temperature hovered around 70 degrees. We were driving and as we were coming over a hill, we observed fog at the bottom of the hill.

Video

Decorah

Iowa Core Standard

3-ESS2-2

Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world

Driving Question

Why and when do we see fog?

Probing Questions

What causes fog to form?
How does temperature affect when we see fog in different environments?
How does the time of day affect when we see fog?
What are some land features that are commonly found near fog?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Create fog in a jar by pouring hot water into a clear jar, adding a few ice cubes, and then placing a lid on top. As the warm air cools down, you'll see fog forming inside the jar.
Go outside on a foggy day and observe the fog firsthand. Encourage them to describe what they see, feel, and hear.
Demonstrate the concept of how fog is formed by placing a cold can/glass in a warm space. The moisture in the air will condense on the cold surface, creating a layer of "fog" on the can/glass.

Resources

PBS LearningMedia | Quest: The Science of Fog: Explore the mysterious origins of fog.
Fast Facts for Kids | Fast Facts About Fog: Kid friendly fast facts about fog.
Pacific Science Center | Fog in a Jar: Instructions on how to create fog in a jar.
National Weather Service | Fog Types: Information on types of fog, helpful when talking about what fog looks like in different areas.

Contributors

Submitted by Brittany Ligenfelter and Bri Lingenfelter.