Rain Cloud in a Jar – Science Spring Activities for Preschoolers
Spring is the perfect time to explore weather science with hands-on learning, and this Rain Cloud in a Jar experiment is one of the best Science Spring Activities for Preschoolers! It’s simple, engaging, and a great way to introduce little learners to how rain forms in the clouds. Plus, it’s so mesmerizing that my boys wanted to do it over and over again!
This experiment is perfect for curious little learners and uses simple household items. Let’s dive in!
Supplies You’ll Need:
✔️ A clear jar or cup
✔️ Water
✔️ Shaving cream (the fluffy kind, not gel)
✔️ Blue food coloring (or any color for a rainbow effect!)
✔️ A small cup for mixing
✔️ A syringe or dropper (a spoon works too!)
How to Make a Rain Cloud in a Jar
1️⃣ Fill the jar about ¾ full with water – this represents the air in our atmosphere.
2️⃣ Add a fluffy layer of shaving cream on top – this acts as our cloud!
3️⃣ Mix a few drops of blue food coloring with a little water in a separate cup.
4️⃣ Using a syringe, dropper, or spoon, carefully drop the colored water onto the shaving cream cloud.
5️⃣ Watch the magic happen! As the cloud gets heavier, the “rain” (food coloring) starts to fall through into the water below—just like real rain falling from clouds!
The Science Behind It
Clouds are made up of tiny water droplets. When enough water collects in a cloud, it becomes too heavy, and the water falls as rain! This experiment gives kids a visual way to see how precipitation works.
Make It Even More Fun!
🌈 Try using multiple colors to create a rainbow in your jar!
🔬 Ask questions: What happens if you add more food coloring? Does it take longer for the rain to fall if you use less?
📸 Take pictures of your colorful rain clouds!
This is such an easy and exciting way to explore weather science with preschoolers. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in fine motor practice with droppers or syringes!
Have fun experimenting! And if your little one loves it as much as mine did, be prepared to do it over and over again. 😉
Happy Teaching!
Trisha with Playful Little Thinkers
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