Harrison and Alex love science, and are beginning to understand that if it is cloudy it sometimes means that it is going to rain. This was a really simple, but effective (and pretty!) ‘experiment’.
I filled up some clean empty jars about 2/3 full with water and squirted a big blob of shaving foam on to the top to cover the opening of the jar, and left it for a few minutes to settle. I then set out a few small containers of water coloured with liquid food colouring and a couple of plastic spoons. If you have eye droppers or pipettes it would work even better, and be great for fine motor control development. We haven’t got either but the spoons worked perfectly well.
We carefully dropped some of the coloured water into the shaving foam ‘clouds’ and watched the colour slowly spread through the foam. After a while, the coloured water began to drip through into the clear water (the ‘rain’), creating some lovely swirly patterns. We did this using other colours and the effect was beautiful! Eventually the water becomes so discoloured you can’t see the drops anymore but we were having so much fun we just did it again!
This was a great way of introducing a scientific concept to the boys. We talked about how the clouds were getting really heavy and fill of the coloured water and when they became too full, they needed to let some of the water out.
Now, when it rains we can look up at the clouds and remember that it is because they are full of water!
I have done this many times over the years but I still enjoy doing it x x
Wow you’re so inventive! That is a great idea. They did a wee-wee
how cute x
I am terrified of craft, but I think even I could do this. Me and Aaron have a fascination with the weather and clouds so would love doing this.
Liska x
Liska, never be terrified of craft! I’m not naturally arty or crafty and I hate mess so all the activities on my blog are low mess (relatively!) And easy!
Great idea one to try with my reception class
that’s a great idea, I’m going to do this with 6yo, she’ll love it
Oooh – not heard of this experiment. Must add it to the long list my youngest son is desperate to try! (He’s the scientist in the family
)
What a fun experiment!!
This is such a great way to help a child to understand why the clouds produce rain, the beginning of their understanding of the water cycle.
My boys love doing this, such a fun simple activity that really helps them understand
Looks like a great introduction to science.
This is such great idea! I now want to immediately do this with my boys
What a lovely idea! Definitely one we’ll try with the kids.
Great experiment! I love that it was PRETTY too
x
This is brilliant! I really should start doing more things like this with my son now. Thanks for the inspiration I have pinned it for future reference!
Never seen this experiment before, it looks like so much fun. Have pinned so we can try in the holidays
That’s a clever idea for younger kids to try.Are you following Science Sparks? There’s lots of ideas over there like this.
What an amazing idea! We’ll have to give it a try, especially after our trip to the Horniman for the weather show.
I’ve never seen this done before, what a great idea and so simple.
I love this idea, I’ll have to do it with my girls
such a cute idea! I keep seeing amazing posts like this with ideas for activities for older kiddies and sort of want my baby to grow up quicker!
Grace says – this is one of my favourite #minicreations of the week. I cannot wait to have a go at making one of these. Now……………….. just need to get mummy to get all the stuff for it………
Thanks for linking to #minicreations
I remember doing it as a kid… never done it since…
thank you for this lovely reminder
This is such a cool idea, F is always asking me about the weather and how to explain the water cycle. I’m definitely going to earmark this craft activity! x
N would love this, I’m always trying to explain about rain clouds and why it rains.
I’ll try this: thanks! I think my Ellie will love it 🙂
Great idea, love the blog
How clever are you, this is great for explaining rain, have a youngster with a very enquiring mind, so i will have to give this a try
Will really brighten brighten up our day through lockdown – great fun