Try this cloud in a jar experiment for kids! A fun, hands-on way to learn about clouds, condensation, and weather with easy directions and printable worksheets.
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Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered how clouds form? Clouds can look soft and fluffy, floating gently overhead, but did you know they are actually made of tiny drops of water suspended in the air? With this easy cloud in a jar experiment, kids can see the science behind clouds in action!
This experiment is not only educational but also super fun and easy. My kids wanted to do it over and over again, because clouds are usually so far away—but this experiment puts a cloud right in front of them! It’s a hands-on way to explore states of matter, water vapor, and condensation while having fun.
It’s perfect for kids who are curious about weather, nature, and science, and it works great in homeschool, classrooms, or at-home science time.
To make it even easier, we’ve created printable worksheets available here that include step-by-step directions, observation pages, and fun science questions.
Check out more Science Activities Here.
Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment
Cloud in a Jar Experiment: Supplies
- Mason jar or heat-safe jar
- Bowl full of ice
- Funnel (optional, to hold ice)
- Hot water (adult supervision required)
- Optional: Aerosol hairspray (helps the cloud form)
- Optional: Blue food coloring
Tip: The hot water should be very warm but not boiling, about the temperature you could safely touch with adult help.
How to Make a Cloud in a Jar
Watch our quick tutorial to see what your cloud should look like.
Carefully pour hot water into the jar until it is about 1/3 full.
(Optional) Add 1–2 drops of food coloring and gently swirl.
Place a bowl full of ice on top of the jar.
Optional) Spray a small amount of hairspray into the jar—this gives the water vapor tiny particles to stick to.
Place a bowl full of ice on top of the jar.
Wait 20–30 seconds and watch the cloud form inside!
Carefully remove the ice bowl and observe how the cloud may rise, float, or change shape.
What’s Happening?
The hot water produces water vapor, which is a gas. The ice cools the air above the jar. When the warm vapor meets the cold air, it condenses into tiny drops of liquid water, forming a cloud! Kids can see the cloud grow and move, just like the clouds in the sky.
This experiment is a perfect way to explore the states of matter:
- Condensation – How gas turns back into tiny water droplets
- Solid – Ice
- Liquid – Water
- Gas – Water vapor
Cloud Activity Ideas
This cloud experiment can fit into a variety of learning times and seasons:
- Science centers in the classroom or homeschool
- Weather lessons or units about clouds and the water cycle
- Rainy day indoor activities
- Summer science fun when kids can also watch clouds outside
After making the cloud in the jar, kids can draw their observations, compare them to real clouds outside, and even track how clouds change over time.
💡 Extend the fun: Check out our other related hands-on activities [link to other experiments/activities], including rain experiments, water cycle crafts, and more!
Make It Even More Fun with Printable Worksheets
Our Cloud in a Jar printable worksheet pack includes:
- Step-by-step directions for the experiment
- Observation pages for drawing clouds in the jar and outside
- Science explained sections in kid-friendly language
- Multiple-choice and matching questions to reinforce the science
These worksheets make the experiment easy to follow, help kids record their observations, and are perfect for classrooms, homeschool, or at-home science fun.
Available on Etsy and Teachers Pay Teachers.
Keep Teaching: Science Activities for Kids
- Types of Clouds Flap Book Printable Activity
- Rain Cloud Art Using Gravity Painting
- Plant Life Cycle & Photosynthesis Printables