Instant Cloud in a Bottle

Did you know that you can create your own cloud in a bottle with just a few easy steps? Follow along with this simple DIY (or watch the video tutorial) to learn about how clouds form, while creating you own cloud in a bottle!

  1. Ages: 5 - 16

  2. <30 minutes

  3. A little messy

  4. Grownup needed

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Warning

    Do not point the bottle at anyone as you pump it up, and wear eye protection for this experiment.

  • Step 1

    Gather your materials.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Step 2

    Use the awl to make a small hole in the bottle cap.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Tip

    For our younger scientists, ask for a grownup’s help with this step!

  • Step 3

    Slide the needle of your pump into the hole, and add some clay to the inside of the cap. Squeeze the bottle to make sure it's air-tight.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Step 4

    Pour a small amount (roughly 1 tablespoon) of rubbing alcohol into your empty bottle and screw the cap back on.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    Swish the rubbing alcohol around so that it covers the walls on the inside of the bottle.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Step 6

    Pump up the bottle! The more you pump, the more dramatic your result will be! We pumped about 40 times. Just make sure to keep the bottle air-tight.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 6

  • Step 7

    When you're done pumping, hold onto the bottle firmly and twist open the cap to release the pressure. (A loud popping noise will occur, so any onlookers around may want to plug their ears.) A cloud will instantly form inside!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 7

  • Learn moremagnifying icon graphic

    So what's happening? 

    This trick works thanks to pressure. The more air you pump into the bottle, the more you increase both the pressure and the temperature inside the bottle. (We could actually see the air pressure push out the bottom of our bottle!) This makes some of the alcohol and water droplets in the bottle turn into a vapor.

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