Go Back

Lightning Storm in a Jar

Create an exciting and educational lightning storm in a jar using simple household materials, perfect for engaging both children and adults in a fun craft project.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Craft
Cuisine Educational
Servings 1 jar

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 jar A clear glass or plastic jar with a lid Can be any clear jar
  • 1 cup Water Fill halfway
  • 1-2 tbsp Vegetable oil or baby oil Stir into the jar slowly
  • a few drops Food coloring (blue, purple, or yellow) Choose colors resembling stormy skies
  • 1 tbsp Baking soda To create fizzing effect
  • 1/4 cup Vinegar Mix with baking soda for the storm effect
  • 1 Small flashlight (optional) For visual effect
  • Glitter (optional) For extra sparkle

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Fill the jar about halfway with water.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the water to create a stormy sky effect.

Add the Oil

  • Pour vegetable or baby oil slowly into the jar until it is almost full, observing how it floats on top of the water.

Create the Storm Effect

  • In a separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with about a quarter cup of vinegar to create fizzing bubbles.

Combine the Mixtures

  • Slowly pour the vinegar and baking soda mixture into the jar and watch as it bubbles and fizzes.

Enhance the Experience

  • Optionally, switch off the lights and shine a flashlight on the jar for dramatic effects.
  • Optionally, add a sprinkle of glitter to mimic lightning sparks.

Notes

Experiment with different food coloring and oils. Play thunderstorm sound effects to enhance the ambiance while observing the storm in the jar. All materials are safe for children with adult supervision recommended during mixing stages.
Keyword Family Activity, Indoor Craft, Lightning Storm, Science Project, Weather Phenomena