Rain Clouds in a Jar - Science Experiment for Kids
Spring is right around the corner…you know what else is? RAIN, and a lot of it!
When you think of spring I bet you think of florals, the beaming sunshine, and bright colours. In reality, it’s time to pull out the rain boots and find where your umbrella has been buried all winter.
I cannot think of a better time to learn about our weather system and rain clouds. This is a classic science experiment, good for kids of all ages. From toddlers all the way up to elementary school, there is so much to learn from these rain clouds. OH, and they are a ton of fun too!
The idea of this science experiment is to show how rain moves through the clouds and how rain is formed. The shaving cream represents the clouds and the coloured water acts as the rain.
Here are some kid friendly facts:
Rain falls from the clouds in the sky and it is a vital part to our water cycle.
Rain is a form of precipitation, just like snow and hail.
Evaporation is when water vapour gets absorbed into the atmosphere.
Three of the most common clouds are called cirrus, stratus and cumulus.
There are many benefits of rain. It gives us water to drink and helps farmers grow fruits and vegetables.
Remember, expanding your kids vocabulary at all levels is extremely important. Ask your child what the weather is like today or what colour the sky is. Incorporating real life questions will allow them to make connections more easily.
Other topics you can incorporate into this activity may include types of clouds. It may be as simple as saying there are high, medium, and low clouds. If you have older kids, print out a chart of all the names of clouds and their description! (Because I know the chances of you being able to name them all are slim to none mama!) It’s okay to give yourself a refresher of what a Cirrus, Stratus, Cumulus or Comulonimbus clouds are!
You will need:
Clear Jars / Glasses / Jugs
1 Can of White Shaving Cream (foam not gel)
Droppers / Pipettes
Food Colouring
Instructions:
1) Protect your surface. Throw down a tablecloth or some paper to ensure your surface doesn’t get stained.
2) Fill your main clear jar 3/4th of the way with water & add shaving cream to the top.
3) Fill smaller cups with water and 2 drops of food colouring ranging in colours. Give smaller cups a stir to mix the colours.
4) Hand your child the little dropper and you are ready to experiment!
5) Fill the dropper with one of your colours and squeeze it into the top of the clouds. Watch the clouds become full of water and make it rain!
Your kids will enjoy watching the rain fall from the clouds. This experiment is so great and helps them improve their fine motor skills using the little dropper.
For more fun ideas - follow me on Pinterest!
If you try this activity, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @unstoppable.mama
