How To Make A Cloud In A Jar – Kitchen Science

We are studying weather in my classroom right now and my own kids get to be the guinea pigs for all activities that I am not certain will go smoothly with my preschool class. I posted this Instagram of our first attempt and immediately people were asking for more information. I asked my kids to help me re-do the experiment with step by step photos so we did a little more kitchen science to show you how to make a cloud in a jar.

Gather your materials. You will need a glass jar with a lid (although a snug dish will work), hot water (boiling works even better), an aerosol spray (we used hairspray), and ice cubes. If you have a child capable of handling boiling water a pyrex measuring cup is great to have on hand as well.

Start by boiling the water then pouring it into the jar. We used about 1/3 of a cup.

Quickly spray the hairspray into the jar. The spray gives the water vapor a surface to condense into tiny cloud droplets. Some experiments use a match instead. Both work but boiling water was enough of a risk for one experiment.

Pop the lid on with the ice and watch the cloud form. This was our 4th time overall doing this and my 4-year-old was still amazed.

When you are ready to lift the lid and let the vapor out!

For more science ideas check out our list of 15 Fun Science Experiments For Kids.

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