Build your own cloud with this fun activity, which originally appeared as part of the Henry Ward’s Adventures in Science series developed for Ward’s Homeschool. The activity is also available in PDF format on wardsci.com.
At Home Science Adventure
Witness a meteorological phenomenon and create your own cloud.
You will need:
- One clear plastic soda bottle with label removed
- Black construction paper
- Water
- Matches
Safety Tips:
Use caution when lighting matches and make sure there is adult supervision.
Experiment Steps:
- Pour 2 inches of very hot water into the bottle.
- Blow air into the bottle to ensure it is fully expanded, and then seal the bottle tightly. Vigorously shake the bottle for one minute.
- Light a match, let it burn for 2 seconds and drop it into the bottle. Quickly recap the bottle again.
- Lay the bottle on its side placing the paper behind it. Press hard on the bottle for ten seconds. Release and repeat until you see a cloud forming.
- Uncap the bottle and watch the cloud emerge from the bottle.
Explanation:
You just witnessed a cloud forming. This happens when the warm water heats the layer of air, and some of the water evaporates into the air forming water vapor that rises. The particles of smoke act as nuclei for water molecules to collect on in a process called condensation. Thus a cloud is born.
Related Products
- Clever Catch Ball: Weather
- Constructing a Simple Barometer Lab Activity
- Water Cycle in a Box Lab Activity
- Complete Cloud-Forming Apparatus
- Cloud Chamber Kit
- Cloud Model Activity Set
- Cloud Chart
- Skywatcher’s Cloud Chart
- The Weather Wizard’s Cloud Book
- Weather and Climate CD-ROM
- NOVA: What’s up with the Weather? VHS Video
- NOVA Wild Weather Field Trip Video
- Meteorology Equipment
