Winter Science Experiment: Snow Volcano!
Southern Maryland is finally getting some snow this season! Here is an activity EXPLODING with fun for your next snow day.
In a plastic cup or container add:
2TBSP of dish soap
Food coloring of your choice (optional, but way more fun)
½ cup of baking soda
1-2TBSP of warm water
Place your cup in the snow and begin to form the snow around the cup all the way to the top, leaving an opening at the top like a volcano would have. Add white vinegar to the cup and watch your volcano erupt!!!
*This activity can also be done with a bottle of soda and Mentos candy. Surround a freshly opened bottle of soda (I recommend a 2Liter bottle) with snow leaving an opening at the top and add Mentos candy to the bottle. Be sure to move out of the way QUICKLY, as the chemical reaction erupts very fast and can be quite messy.
Winter STEM Activities
Looking for ideas to keep children interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, and Math) in these cold winter months?
Here are 2 easy and fun winter STEM activities to try!
Growing Ice Experiment
Place unopened bottles of water in your freezer and leave them there for about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
While you wait for your water bottles to cool, prep a work station with a container of ice. You can use a cup, bowl, or tray of ice.
After the 2 hours and 45 minutes, your water should not be frozen. Gently carry the water to your work station. Do not shake, bump, or disturb the water as it will freeze.
Slowly pour the water onto the ice in the container. The ice should freeze the water on impact and create “growing ice”!
The reason the water instantly turns to ice is because the water in the bottles is VERY close to freezing and when it touches the already frozen ice, it sends it over the edge!
Arctic Blubber Experiment
Have children put their bare hands in a bowl of icy water for as long as they can (up to 30 sec.).
Once their hand is dry, put a rubber glove on their hand and make a fist.
Layer the fist with lots of canned shortening.
Place plastic wrap over the hand and shortening to create a seal.
Have child put their hand back in the water and feel the temperature difference.
Explain that arctic animals have a layer of blubber that keep them warm in icy conditions.
