Description
Simple Cloud Experiments is an engaging activity that allows kids to create their own weather by simulating clouds and rain in a jar using household items.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large clear glass jar or cup (Mason jars work well)
- Water (tap water is fine)
- White shaving cream (foaming type only, avoid gel)
- Food coloring (blue is classic, but any color works)
- Small bowls or cups (to mix your food coloring with water)
- Droppers, pipettes, or a teaspoon (for adding colored water)
Instructions
- Fill your clear jar about ¾ of the way full with water. This represents the atmosphere in your mini weather system.
- Gently spray a fluffy layer of white shaving cream on top of the water. This acts as your cloud. Make it thick enough to hold liquid but not too dense.
- In small bowls or cups, mix several drops of food coloring with a bit of water. If you’re doing a rainbow cloud, prepare multiple colors.
- Using a dropper, pipette, or teaspoon, slowly drip the colored water onto the shaving cream cloud. Watch closely! Once the “cloud” is full, colored droplets will fall through into the water below, simulating rain.
- Let the kids watch the process closely and ask questions. Encourage predictions: “How many drops until it rains?” “What happens if we add more color?”
Notes
- Use a tray or towel under your setup for easy cleanup.
- The thinner the shaving cream layer, the quicker the rain appears.
- Mix your own colors (red + blue = purple, blue + yellow = green) for extra fun.
- Add biodegradable glitter to the rain for a “magical thunderstorm” look.
- Great for science fairs, homeschool days, or preschool learning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Science Experiment
- Method: Hands-On
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: N/A
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A