Science Wiz: Climate Change in Canning Jars

Tobes really wanted to do some “experiments” this week. Since it’s been raining so much, we decided to make rain, fog and tornadoes using canning jars.  These are more “magic tricks” than “science experiments” per so. But they sure are fun!  I remember doing all of these as a kid in a friend’s basement “wet-bar.”

RAIN IN A CANNING JAR

MATERIALS
Canning Jar
Tight Fitting Canning Lid [Ring and Flat Disc] or a Plate
Boiling Water
Ice

METHOD
Pour about an inch of boiling water into your jar.
Seal the Jar with its Ring and Disk or Place a Plate on top of the open jar.
Place ice on top of the Disk or the Plate.
Watch the heat from the water below meet the cold plate above and create condensation that “rains” back down the sides of the jar.

FOG RISING FROM A CANNING JAR
This one’s hard to catch in a photograph!

MATERIALS
Jar
Cheesecloth and a Circular Canning Lid/Ring or a Small Strainer
Boiling Water
Ice

METHOD
Fill the jar with boiling water.
Let sit for a few minutes.
Have an adult pour all of the water out of the hot jar.
Add about an inch of boiling water back into the hot jar.
Place the cloth and circular ring on the top of the jar or place a strainer over top and top it/fill it with ice.
Watch a fog begin to form and rise above the jar as the cold air meets the warm air and condenses!

TORNADO IN A CANNING JAR

MATERIALS
Canning Jar with a Tight Fitting Lid [Ring and Disc]
2 tsp Dish Soap
2 tsp Vinegar
A Few Drops of Food Colouring
Water

METHOD
Fill the jar about .8 full with water.
Add the dish soap, vinegar and food colour.
Seal with a tight fitting lid and swirl gently until combined.
Next, “swirl” the jar around by the neck using a circular motion.
Watch a “Tornado” appear! Check out that vortex! The Centrifugal Force!