Cloud Laboratory

teaching meteorology through university extension and interactive practices

Abstract

Understanding meteorological phenomena is essential for environmental education and awareness on climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to bring meteorological concepts closer to the population in an accessible and interactive manner. In this context, this paper presents an experience report on the “Cloud Laboratory” project, developed as an extension initiative linked to the Sanitation, Environment, and Extension course of the Environmental and Sanitary Engineering program of the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG). The project took place during the “Climate on stage” event at Praça do Rosário, in Passos/MG, providing the public with an immersive and educational experience. The activities covered the formation, classification, and importance of clouds for the climate systems and their role in regulating both local and global climates. To facilitate learning, educational resources such as an artificial rain simulation, an interactive water cycle model, an informational banner about “flying rivers”, and illustrated panels of different cloud types were used. These tools were fundamental for capturing interest, especially among children, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging. In addition to expanding knowledge on meteorology, the project played a crucial role in environmental awareness, encouraging reflections on the relation between climate change and daily life. The positive response from the community reinforced the impact of extension activities in public spaces, evidencing their potential in disseminating scientific and environmental education. The Cloud Laboratory experience highlights the importance of initiatives that integrate science, education, and society, emphasizing the need to expand such practices to engage different audiences in building a more sustainable and conscious future.