Thank you so much for being here. Seriously—whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, or simply someone who loves sharing little moments of wonder with curious minds, this one’s a gem. Watching the look on a child’s face when they see their cloud “rain” for the first time? Pure joy. And the fact that it teaches a real-world concept in the most hands-on way? Even better.
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What Is the Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment?
This project is a hands-on science activity that shows kids how clouds hold water vapor until they’re full enough to release rain. Using shaving cream to mimic a fluffy cloud and colored water to represent rain, kids get to see precipitation in action, right in their own jar!
It’s quick to set up, mess-friendly, and totally mesmerizing.
Why You’ll Love This Cloudy Day Experiment
- 🌧️ Demonstrates real science – A perfect visual for teaching the water cycle.
- 🧠 Promotes STEM learning – Observation, prediction, experimentation.
- 👏 Engaging and low-prep – No fancy tools or ingredients required.
- 🎨 Creative twist – Rainbow clouds? Yes, please!
What It Looks Like
Imagine a clear jar with a soft, puffy shaving cream cloud floating at the top. You gently drip blue “rain” into the cloud, and slowly, it seeps through—falling in soft streams and swirls down into the water. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and so satisfying to watch.
Learning Benefits
- Teaches about cloud saturation and precipitation
- Sparks scientific inquiry and discussion
- Encourages fine motor skills with pipettes or droppers
- Provides a calming, sensory-rich experience
Ingredients & Materials
You’ll Need:
- Clear glass jar with lid (a mason jar works perfectly!)
- Water
- Shaving cream (the foamy kind)
- Blue food coloring
- Dropper, pipette, or spoon
- Measuring cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fill the Jar
Pour clean water into the jar until it’s about three-quarters full.
2. Add the Cloud
Shake your shaving cream can and add a thick layer on top of the water. This is your cloud! Don’t be shy—it should be fluffy.
3. Prepare the Rain
In a small cup, mix a few drops of blue food coloring with a bit of water.
4. Make It Rain
Use a dropper, spoon, or pipette to slowly drop the colored water onto the shaving cream cloud. Drop by drop, the rain will build up and eventually start to fall through the cream into the water below!
5. Observe and Wonder
Watch the rain slowly fall and swirl through the water. It’s not only gorgeous—it’s science in action.
Tips for Success
- Slow and steady wins the race—don’t rush the drops or you’ll miss the magic!
- Add a little shaving cream at a time if you’re working with smaller jars.
- Try different colors to make rainbow rain or seasonal-themed clouds.
- Use this time to talk about the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
Activity Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Activity Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Extend the Learning: Water Cycle Discussion Points
- How do clouds form in nature?
- What happens when clouds get full of water?
- Why do some clouds rain and others don’t?
- Can we predict when it will rain based on how clouds look?
This is a beautiful opportunity to connect real-world weather to a hands-on experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reuse the jar for another experiment?
Absolutely! Just rinse it out and you’re good to go again.
Can I use something other than shaving cream?
Not for this experiment—shaving cream gives the necessary “cloud” effect that mimics how water is held in the atmosphere.
Is this safe for toddlers?
Yes, with supervision. They’ll especially love the color drops and bubbly texture, but make sure they don’t ingest anything.
Does it work with plastic cups?
It does! Clear plastic cups work just fine if you don’t have glass jars handy.
In Summary: A Cloudy Day You’ll Remember
This simple yet stunning experiment brings the science of weather to life. Whether you’re using it for a lesson on the water cycle, or just to spark curiosity on a rainy afternoon, the “rain cloud in a jar” is an instant favorite.
Plus—it’s one of those activities kids ask to do again and again. And let’s be honest… watching rain form inside a jar never really gets old.
More Weather & Water Experiments to Try Next
- 🌈 Rainbow Walking Water Experiment
- 🌀 Tornado in a Bottle DIY
- ❄️ Snowstorm in a Jar Winter Science Activity
📸 Share the Magic!
Did you and your kiddos try this experiment? I’d LOVE to see your creations. Tag us on Pinterest or Instagram and share your cloudy day in a jar. Let’s inspire other mini meteorologists!
☁️ Not Nutrition, But a Cool Fact!
Did you know? One single cumulus cloud can weigh more than a million pounds—but it floats because the air around it is even heavier. Nature is amazing, isn’t it?
Thanks for joining me today in this moment of wonder. Until next time, may your skies be clear, your clouds fluffy, and your curiosity endless! 💙
