Cloud in a Jar

STREAM Activity: Cloud in a Jar

Catch a Cloud in a Jar!

Activity best for children ages four and up

Have you ever wanted to make your own rain cloud? This fun science craft lets you explore condensation, the way water gathers in clouds, and precipitation, which is what happens when rain falls from the sky! You can watch a mini storm form right before your eyes and see how clouds hold water until they’re ready to release it.

It’s a colorful and hands-on way to learn about the weather while having tons of fun!

VOCABULARY

  • Condensation: The process of water gathering in clouds.

  • Precipitation: When water falls from the sky as rain.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • What do you notice happening to the “cloud” as the food coloring sinks through it?

  • How do you think real clouds know when it’s time to rain?

MATERIALS

  • Mason jar

  • Shaving cream

  • Food coloring or liquid water colors

  • Pipette

  • Water

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Add blue liquid water color and water into a cup and mix well.

Add food coloring to water

STEP 2

In your mason jar, add water to the halfway point.

STEP 3

Add shaving cream to the top of the mason jar.

Add shaving cream to mason jar

STEP 4

Use your pipette by squeezing it into the water color mixture and letting go to pick up the mixture.

Pipette colored water

STEP 5

Squeeze a couple drops into the shaving cream and watch as the shaving cream clouds begin to drip rain!

Cloud in a Jar