Snowstorm in a Jar Experiment: Easy Winter Science Activity for Preschool

While Mother Nature makes flurries outside, make a blizzard of your own — right at your kitchen table — with this easy Snowstorm in a Jar Science Experiment for kids.

Winter Science: Make a Snowstorm in a Jar

First, a special thanks to our partner Little Passports for sharing this snowstorm science experiment. Check out all of Little Passports’ Science Expeditions to get more fun preschool science activities like this one delivered right to your door!

Whether the temperature is plummeting outdoors or you just want to bring a bit of winter weather fun to a summer day, this Snowstorm in a Jar Science Experiment is a foolproof way to get kids excited about weather science. With under $10 in ingredients, captivating preschool science learning awaits!

The Science Behind This Snowstorm in a Jar Experiment:

According to our science expert friends at Little Passports…

“This experiment works for a few reasons.

Because oil is less dense than water, the water will naturally sink to the bottom of the jar. When the Alka-Seltzer [tablet] is dropped into the jar, its interaction with the water creates pressure in an upward direction, and the oil pushes it back down. This pressure back and forth is part of what creates the snowstorm.

The other element is the interaction between water and sodium bicarbonate in the Alka-Seltzer, which generates carbon dioxide gas. The combination of these factors creates a blizzard every time!”

Now, Here’s How to Make a Snowstorm in a Jar…

Below you will find everything you need to do this easy winter science experiment with your preschooler today! You can even print the Snowstorm in a Jar Recipe and Ingredient List to share with friends.

So, gather the kids for some winter STEM fun making a fizzy “Snowstorm in a Jar” using everyday household ingredients!

Snowstorm in a Jar Recipe:

Snowstorm in a Jar Science Experiment

Gather the kids for some winter STEM fun making a fizzy "Snowstorm in a Jar" using everyday household ingredients! A special thanks to partner, Little Passports, for sharing this fun science experiment.

4.34 from 6 votes

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Activity Time10 minutes

Total Time10 minutes

Tools

• 1 (16 oz) mason jar or other glass jar or bottle of similar size
• 1 spoon or wooden stir stick
• 1 mixing bowl medium size
• 1 silicone spatula or large spoon, for stirring

Materials

• 2.5 cups baby oil
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoon washable paint (white)
• food coloring (blue, optional)
• glitter (silver, white, and/or blue)
• 1 Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Tablet

Steps

• Pour baby oil into mason jar until it is around 3/4 full.
• Add glitter and blue food coloring to the oil in the jar and stir, until it reaches desired sparkle and color.
• Combine water and white paint in mixing bowl, stirring until thoroughly combined.
• Pour the water mixture into the oil mixture in the mason jar until jar is nearly full.
• Drop one Alka Seltzer Effervescent Tablet into the oil-water mixture in the jar.
• Take a step back and watch the glittery snowstorm in the jar!

Notes

The Science Behind This Snowstorm in a Jar Experiment:

According to our science expert friends at Little Passports...

"This experiment works for a few reasons. Because oil is less dense than water, the water will naturally sink to the bottom of the jar.

When the Alka-Seltzer is dropped into the jar, its interaction with the water creates pressure in an upward direction, and the oil pushes it back down. This pressure back and forth is part of what creates the snowstorm.

The other element is the interaction between water and sodium bicarbonate in the Alka-Seltzer, which generates carbon dioxide gas. The combination of these factors creates a blizzard every time!"

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Project Type: Learning

Category: Kid-Friendly · Science · STEM

Science Expeditions Make Preschool Science Activities EASY!

Through Little Passports, you can subscribe to get a new kids Science Expedition kit delivered right to your door each month — with everything your child needs to do fun science activities centered around engaging themes like rockets, forensics, caves and crystals, slime, and many more.

Not up for a monthly commitment? No problem! Shop Little Passports according to the age to choose the science activities and games just right for your child:

• Shop by Age: 3-5 years
• Shop by Age: 6-8 years
• Shop by Age: 9+ years

So, Do You Like This Snowstorm Jar Experiment? Save & Share It!

Make sure to save this fun weather science activity. And, share it with friends who are parents or teachers of preschoolers, too. It’s easy:

• Click the Share Buttons at the top and bottom of this blog post.
• Click the Pin It Button that appears when you hover over an image.
• Or, click here: Post/Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend

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• Fizzy Hearts: Easy Valentine’s Day Science for Kids