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
Tools
- spoon (or wooden stir stick)
- mixing bowl (medium size)
- silicone spatula (or large spoon)
Materials
- 2.5 cups baby oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons washable paint (white)
- food coloring (blue, optional)
- glitter (silver, white, and/or blue)
- 1 Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Tablet
Steps
- Pour 2.5 cups baby oil into mason jar, until about 3/4 full.
- Add glitter and blue food coloring to the oil in the jar. Stir until it reaches desired sparkle and color.
- Add 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons washable paint to mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour water mixture into oil mixture in the mason jar until jar is nearly full.
- Drop 1 Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Tablet into the jar and watch the glittery snowstorm!
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!"
Science Expeditions
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Christy says
Can you keep the solution and add another alka seltzer again later???
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
I’m not sure, but I’m guessing no.