Condensation on Windows

The window has condensation on it based on the differing temperatures and moisture from outside the window versus inside the window. When water vapor in the air inside the room came in contact with the colder window, the water vapor condensed into water droplets on the window.

Driving Question

• Why is there condensation on this window?

Probing Questions

• Do you think condensation is affected by the time of year it is in Iowa?
• What might be possible reasons for the condensation?
• Do you think temperature could be a reason for the change?
• How long do you think the condensation stays on the window?
• Where else might you find condensation early in the morning? Why?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Record, track, and graph what their windows look like when they wake up during different seasons of the year.
• Discuss how the weather and or temperature changes are affecting the condensation on the window.

Relevant Related Resources

Investigating Condensation | Laura Candler: The site explains different ways condensation and evaporation are linked, along with lessons and printables.
Condensation and Evaporation Interactive | Science Education Research Partnership: The site has experiments and different graphics that explain how condensation and evaporation work. 
Condensation Examples | Your Dictionary: This site has great examples of where to find condensation in our real world, and things for students to look for outside of a window.