Storm in a Jar
This experiment is a fun way to create our own rain clouds and learn about the water cycle! Today I am sharing this “Storm in a Jar” activity that glows in the dark.
Materials
· A glass or jar
· Glow in the dark sticks
· Water
· Pipettes
· Cups or bowls
Before starting the activity, talk with your child about rain clouds, and how they form through the water cycle. Point out that the rain that has fallen where you live, may have been water in the ocean just a couple of days before!
Review the water cycle using this link below:
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/nature/water-cycle/
Key words to review:
condensation- water that collects as droplets (makes clouds)
evaporation- when water heats up and changes from a liquid to a gas
precipitation- rain, snow, sleet, hail
You can even teach your child my favorite water cycle song. It goes to the same tune as 'Coming Around the Mountain'
Water travels in a cycle yes it does,
Water travels in a cycle yes it does,
It goes up as evaporation,
Forms clouds as condensation,
Comes down as precipitation yes it does,
Yes it does!!
Links for song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eirysjEIVp4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Jtm1wnuvo
What can you learn from this experiment?
Clouds are formed when moist air rises upward. As the air rises, it becomes colder. Eventually the air can't hold all of the water vapor in it, and some of the water vapor condenses to form tiny water droplets. When the water droplets become too heavy, the clouds cannot hold all of the water and it rains.
Steps
Fill your glass jar 3/4 of the way full with cool water
Fill the rest of the jar with shaving cream "clouds" (it should sit on top of the water)
Cut the top of the glow sticks and pour the liquid into a bowl (NOTE-this will require adult supervision, as there is normally a glass like material inside of the glow stick)
Fill the pipette with the glow in the dark "rain" solution
Squeeze the pipette on top of the shaving cream, the shaving cream will start to fill up
Once the "cloud" fills up with enough moisture, it will start to "rain"
Turn off the lights to watch the glow in the dark storm!
For more on Storm in a Jar
Check here for more information on weather systems
If you need a refresher on the water cycle watch this video
This is a good breakdown on how rain is formed
Tag @themodernteacher and show off your homemade storms!
Source for this experiment can be found here.
