If you are putting together a weather theme for April showers, here’s a easy and fun rain cloud in a jar the kiddos are going to love! Science doesn’t get much simpler than a sponge and a cup of water. Explore weather science and rain clouds. Where does rain come from? How do clouds make rain? These are all great questions that kids love to ask. Now you can show them how a cloud works with this easy to set up a rain cloud model.
RAIN CLOUD IN A JAR FOR KIDS
RAIN ACTIVITY FOR PRESCHOOL
Get ready to add this simple rain cloud in a jar activity to your weather lesson plans for preschool this season. If you want to learn all about where rain comes from, let’s dig in! While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other fun weather activities for kids.
Our science activities are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home!
WHERE DOES RAIN COME FROM?
Rain comes from clouds and clouds are formed by water vapor rising in the air. These water molecules will clump together and eventually form a cloud you can see. These water droplets will attract more water droplets and the cloud will get heavier and heavier.
Like a cloud, the sponge will eventually get over-saturated and start to drip through to the jar below. When a cloud gets filled with water, it releases the water in the form of rain.
Check out this fun water cycle activity to learn more about where rain comes from.
HOW TO MAKE A RAIN CLOUD
Let’s get right to our simple rain cloud model and finding out how clouds form rain. Alternatively, you can try this using our shaving cream rain cloud method as well.
YOU WILL NEED
- Sponge
- Blue food coloring
- Jar
- Pipette
RAIN CLOUD IN A JAR SET UP
STEP 1: Get the sponge slightly damp and put it on top of a jar.
STEP 2: Color some water blue.
STEP 3: Use a pipette to transfer the colored water to the sponge.
Like a cloud, it will eventually get over-saturated and start to drip through to the jar below, making rain.
Tip: Kids love water play so make sure to have plenty of paper towels handy too! Of course, you have plenty of sponges too. If you have simple trays to place each activity on, they will help contain any water spill. I do love dollar store cookie trays for this purpose.
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