Have you ever looked up into the sky and wonder how clouds form? Or have you ever hopped through the clouds in a plane and imagined how cool is this? Weather science projects like this cloud in a jar can be so fun and simple and spark curiosity in kids. This simple science experiment will teach your kids how water vapor is transformed into clouds. Best of all, it only takes a few supplies you most likely have around the house! It’s an excellent way to combine learning and fun all in one.
This experiment is so cool because you are actually making a cloud inside of a jar! The clouds that form in this experiment are similar to the ones that form in the sky. Sounds cool, right? So collect a few simple supplies from around the house and be prepared to surprise your kids.
About Cloud In A Jar Activity
Cloud formation occurs when water vapor rises into the air. When this vapor catches cold air, it transforms into small droplets of water. These droplets begin to hold together and build clouds. When the clouds get full of water that they can’t handle anymore, the waterfalls down as rain. Curious about the science behind the cloud in a jar experiment? Here is the science behind each of the cloud science experiments.
In this experiment, the clouds are the Hairspray and the water is the rain. As you drop the water into the cloud the weight of the water forces itself through the cloud to “rain” down into the jar. Moreover, this science activity is easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to finish, and are loads of fun! Plus, the supplies lists normally comprise only free or affordable materials you can source from your home!
What You’ll Need To Make a Rain Cloud in a Jar?
- Warm water
- Jar with a lid
- Ice cubes
- Aerosol hairspray
How To Make Cloud In The Jar?
- First of all, pour warm water (not boiling) into the jar and wave it around to warm the interior of the whole jar.
2. Then set the lid upside down and put several ice cubes on top of it. Now put the lid onto the jar.
3. After this, quickly lift the lid and give a quick spray of aerosol hairspray and then replace the lid.
4. Now lift the lid and observe the cloud escape!
Make Your Own Clouds At Home
To form the miniature clouds, the water does not need to be boiling and it’s actually best if it isn’t because it will fog up the jar immediately. You may prefer to do this near an area where you can have a dark, bright surface for the kids to better observe their clouds. This could easily be an exciting partner science activity as well! And why not experiment what results when you put cold water into the jar rather than hot water. This will help children to better learn why both warm air and cool air are required to form the cloud! Enjoy forming your own miniature cloud!
