Rain Cloud In A Jar Science Experiment

Have you ever tried the rain cloud in a jar science experiment that uses shaving cream, food coloring and water? It is such an easy science experiment that truly looks like art! While we didn’t do the experiment in a jar, but rather a plastic glass… the effect was the same (and likely even more pretty!) This activity is a part of our 90+ Indoor activities for kids

Rain Cloud In A Jar

We are constantly doing science experiments at home (see Easy Science Experiments For Preschoolers),

So many activities can be done just by using water mixed with food coloring like the Color Mixing Water Activity For Kids and the walking water experiment too.

The rain cloud in a jar explains to a child more about the weather/water cycle… The ‘cloud’ holds water until it can no longer do so… All the droplets of water add up to the point where the cloud eventually releases it and this turns into ‘rain’

Here is a quick video:

All you need to do the rain cloud in a jar activity is:

Water
Glass or jar
Food coloring (you can use just one color but I chose to use multiple colors)
Jars, bowls or test tubes for the food color mixed with water. (I am using this one)
Foaming Shaving cream
Pipettes or food droppers. (This is the one I am using here.)

I have included a video of the activity here:

Here is a step by step tutorial:

First you mix your water color with your selected food colors.

Then add a good amount of shaving cream to each jar or glass. This part can be tough for kids … you can have your children try to do this first (when you are working with older children) or mom/teacher can do this part.

I suggest you include a thicker layer of shaving cream, I was having a bit of shaving cream malfunction here. (haha! But it still worked.)

Then have your children drop the food coloring on top of the shaving cream.