Create your own miniature cloud inside a jar to see how water vapor condenses. You will learn about the science of weather and how clouds form in the sky!

Materials

• glass jar with lid (1 quart size, 1)
• hot water (1 cup)
• ice cubes (3-5 cubes)
• hairspray (2-3 sprays)

Safety

• Adult supervision is required when handling hot water to prevent burns.
• Use hairspray in a well-ventilated area.
• Adult supervision required for hot materials. Burn risk.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the glass jar. The water should be hot, but not boiling.
2. Swirl the water around the jar for a few seconds to warm up the sides of the glass.
3. Place the lid upside down on top of the jar so it acts as a platform.
4. Place 3-5 ice cubes on top of the inverted lid. This creates a cold layer at the top of the jar.
5. Wait about 30 seconds for the air inside to cool down slightly.
6. Quickly lift the lid, spray 2-3 bursts of hairspray into the jar, and immediately put the lid (with the ice still on top) back on.
7. Watch as a cloud forms inside the jar! The hairspray provides 'seeds' (particles) for the water vapor to cling to.
8. Lift the lid and watch the cloud drift out of the jar into the room.