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Snowstorm in a Glass

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Imagine capturing a snowstorm inside a glass! This experiment lets you watch snowflakes dance and sparkle, recreating winter's magic right in your hands. Are you ready to explore the enchanting "Snowstorm in a Glass"? Let's begin!

Materials Needed

300ml baby oil
Large glass
Water
Measuring cup
Glitter
White paint
Effervescent tablets

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Pour 300ml of baby oil into the large glass.

A clear plastic bottle is being tilted, pouring a clear liquid into a clear glass tumbler. The glass sits on a light-colored wooden table. A blurred red object and a pine cone are visible in the background, slightly out of focus.

Step 2

Add 4 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of white paint to the measuring cup, and mix well.

A hand holds a black plastic measuring spoon, labeled 1 tbsp, over a clear glass container with a small amount of clear liquid inside. The background is a light woodgrain surface. The spoon appears to be about to add the measured ingredient to the container.

Step 3

Pour the mixed paint solution into the baby oil.

A hand pours a white liquid, presumably glue, from a clear measuring cup into a clear glass tumbler that already contains a small amount of clear liquid. The glass sits on a light woodgrain table. A blurred red object and a pine cone are visible in the background, slightly out of focus. The image suggests a crafting or DIY activity.

Step 4

Add glitter to the glass containing baby oil and paint water.

A hand holds a small, clear container of iridescent glitter and pours it into a clear glass tumbler. The glass contains a milky white liquid, likely a mixture of glue and water. The glass sits on a light woodgrain table. This image likely depicts a step in a crafting project.

Step 5

Break the effervescent tablet into 4 pieces and drop them into the baby oil.

A hand holds several small, white, irregularly shaped pieces of a substance, possibly borax, above a clear glass tumbler containing a clear liquid. The pieces are being dropped into the glass. The glass sits on a light wood surface. A blurred white object is visible in the background, out of focus. This image likely depicts a step in a science experiment or DIY project.

Step 6

Now, enjoy watching your snowstorm in action!

A clear glass jar sits on a light wooden table. The jar contains a layered mixture: a white, opaque substance at the bottom, a clear liquid layer in the middle, and a thicker, white substance at the top. Some of the top layer drips down into the clear liquid, creating a visually interesting effect. Small, sparkling particles are visible within the clear liquid layer. The video showcases the mixing or layering of different substances, possibly a science experiment or the creation of a sensory toy.

The Science Behind It:

This experiment demonstrates two fascinating scientific phenomena: density and chemical reactions!

1. Density: Water is heavier (more dense) than oil, so when poured into the container, water sinks to the bottom while oil floats on top. This is why they don't mix and appear to form layers.

2. Chemical Reaction: The effervescent tablets contain citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). When they meet water, they produce carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles carry the water, white paint, and glitter upwards, like snowflakes being caught in the wind. When the bubbles burst, the materials sink back down, creating a continuous "snowstorm" effect!

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.