DIY: Clouds, Rainbows, and Rain

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Clouds, Rainbows, and Rain

Nature Explorations

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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This is a fascinating science experiment! Using shaving foam as clouds and food colouring as rain, watch as the colours travel through the 'cloud layer' and drip into the water like rainbow rain.

Materials Needed

Food colouring
large glass jar (Mason jar)
water
shaving foam

Arranged on a light wooden table are several items, suggesting preparation for a science experiment or craft activity. Four small bottles containing colored liquids—yellow, green, red, and blue—are lined up. Next to them is a clear glass half-filled with water. A green can, likely containing shaving cream or a similar foaming substance, sits beside the glass. The scene implies an upcoming demonstration involving color mixing or a creative project using these materials.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

First, squeeze shaving foam onto the water's surface.

A clear glass sits on a light wood grain table. The glass is partially filled with water, and a thick layer of white foam sits on top, resembling a cloud or a mound of whipped cream. This simple setup suggests a science experiment demonstrating density or a visual representation of layers.

Step 2

Next, add 4-5 drops of different coloured food colouring onto the shaving foam. Be careful not to add too much colouring.

A clear glass, partially filled with water, sits on a light wooden surface. A layer of white powder, resembling baking soda or a similar substance, floats on top of the water. A hand gently squeezes drops of blue food coloring onto the white powder. The blue coloring slowly permeates the powder and begins to seep into the water below, creating mesmerizing swirls and patterns. This video appears to demonstrate a simple science experiment, possibly illustrating the principles of density, diffusion, or solubility.

Step 3

Now, watch carefully to see what happens to the food colouring.

A clear glass sits on a light wood surface, partially filled with water. A mound of white powder, possibly baking soda, rests on the water's surface. Drops of yellow, blue, and red food coloring are added to the powder. As the coloring seeps through the powder, it creates colorful, cloud-like plumes that slowly descend and diffuse into the water below. The video showcases a visually appealing science experiment, potentially demonstrating density, diffusion, or a chemical reaction.

The Science Behind It:

Shaving foam consists of numerous tiny bubbles and has a lower density than water, which is why it floats on top. When food colouring is added, it quickly seeps through the foam to reach the water's surface. Since food colouring has a higher density than water, once it reaches the water's surface, it rapidly disperses into the less dense water, creating the rainbow raindrop effect.

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