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.
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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!"