This Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment is a great way to engage your children aged 3-6 in conducting a simple science experiment before heading outdoors. Looking up in the sky on an overcast day can be quite relaxing and entertaining.

As I was inviting children to fill in the cup with water and pour colored water over the shaving cream “cloud”, I explained to them that water, when heated, evaporates turning into water vapors. These water vapors turn back into water drops after reaching cold air and stick together forming clouds.
Once clouds become too full of water, waterfalls back on the ground in the form of rain.
To conduct this experiment, we filled a glass cup 3/4 full of water, created a cloud with shaving cream, and squeezed water with food coloring on top of it using a syringe. (This is an added bonus that allows those little fingers to do more exercise and gain strength).
Eventually, it started to produce ☔ a rain-like effect.
Did you know that one cumulus cloud can way over 400.000 kg? Basically, it is the equivalent to 100 elephants floating over your head! 😃
Make sure to check out our Types of Clouds printable with eight different types of clouds and their descriptions.
It is a great idea to learn about clouds before you head off to your next outdoor adventure to observe different types of clouds with your little explorer!
Please note that shaving cream can be harmful to little children. If you decide to do this experiment with your children you need to make sure that they are continuously supervised and do not touch or ingest the shaving cream.
You might enjoy
Hands-on Geography Activities You Might Enjoy
- Australia Salt-Dough Map – Hands-On Geography
- Geography Printables and Hands-on Activities
- Continent printables and Hands-on Activities
- Flags Of Africa – Geography Activity For Kindergarten Children
- DIY Africa Map And Pin Flags – Hands-On Geography Activity
- Parts Of The Volcano Poster, 3 Part Cards, Blackline Masters – Free Printable
- Gemstones – Posters And Matching Cards – Free Printable
- Learning About Rocks And Minerals
- Choosing The Right Calendar For Your Classroom
- Authentic Handmade Materials For Your Dream Montessori Classroom
- Rain Cloud In A Jar Science Experiment Plus Types Of Clouds Printable
- International Kid Chef – Culinary Montessori Activity With Dough
- Learning About Land And Water Formations – Montessori Outdoor Explorations
- Children Of The World Multicultural Activities For Children
- Australia Themed Free Printables
- Montessori Focus: Land, Water, Air Activity
- Australian Aboriginal Dot Painting For Children And Art Resources
- Asia – Free Printables Resources For The Montessori Classroom
- South America – Free Educational Printables. Resources For The Montessori Classroom
- Teaching About Europe In The Montessori Classroom
- Teaching Geography In The Montessori Classroom
- Supporting Cultural Diversity In The Montessori Classroom