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Cloud in a Cup: Condensation Science Experiment for Preschool

Cloud in a Cup

Author Parenting Chaos

Ingredients

  • ice
  • hot water
  • a cup
  • a bowl or plate that is big enough to cover the top of the cup
  • air freshener hair spray, or other aerosol can.

Instructions

  1. Warm up the glass jar by rinsing it with warm tap water.
  2. Add about 1-2 inches of hot water to the glass jar. {I tried using hot tap water. The water temperature was warm but not hot. This water temperature did not make a cloud for us. I heated the water in the microwave and waited until it was bubbling – about 1 minute 30 seconds. The water temperature was about 130 °F.
  3. Put ice in a small bowl/plate/or upside down jar lid and place the bowl on top of the glass jar.
  4. Add a quick spray of air freshener or hairspray to the jar (we used sunblock). Lift the ice bowl, spray, and quickly replace the bowl. {Try to spray the air freshener or hairspray into the middle of the jar. If you hit the side of the jar it may make it hard to see the cloud inside the jar.}
  5. A cloud will form inside the jar as soon as you place the bowl of ice on top.

Recipe Notes

Use caution when dealing with hot liquids and containers. An adult should pour the hot water.