Our Clouds in a Jar Science Experiment is a perfect way to explore weather right from the comfort of home. With shaving cream, water, and a little food coloring, you can turn a jar into a mini sky and help your preschooler discover the magic of weather. This is a perfect addition to your weather unit! Be sure to grab the lesson plan, recording sheet, and water cycle cut and paste sheet in our shop before you start!

You will need:

Clouds in a Jar printable lesson plan and recording sheet (find it here!)
A clear jar or cup
Water
Shaving cream
Food coloring (blue works best)
A pipette or dropper

Instructions:

Download and print the lesson plan and recording sheet (find it here!)
Fill your jar about three-quarters full with water.
Spray a fluffy layer of shaving cream on top of the water to create the “cloud.”
In a separate cup, mix a few drops of blue food coloring with water.
Using a pipette or dropper, slowly drip the colored water onto the shaving cream.
Watch as the “rain” begins to fall through the “cloud” and into the jar below!
Together, fill out the recording sheet to show what happened. Then you can do the water cycle cut and paste page for even more learning!

What’s Happening

Just like real clouds, the shaving cream cloud holds water until it becomes too heavy—then the colored “rain” falls. It’s a simple, visual way to show how precipitation works and how rain forms in the atmosphere.

Why It’s Perfect for Preschoolers

This activity helps children develop observation skills, explore early science concepts, and practice fine motor skills as they squeeze and drip the colored water. We love that its easy, and kids love that its fun!

Video

Watch the video to see the experiment in action!