Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment

The weather is changing out here, it’s getting colder with winter coming, and we have actually had a couple morning with snow on the ground. Snow Storm in A Jar is easy, and fun science experiment to do with your kids. It goes along great with our arctic animal theme.

Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment

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  • oil – we used baby oil & vegetable oil
  • white paint
  • alka seltzer tablets
  • a jar
  • glitter – optional

How to Make A Snow Storm in a Jar

This is really super easy to do with your kids. It is very similar to a lava lamp in fact. First, you pour some water into the bottom of your jar, about two inches worth.

Add about a tablespoon of white paint in, this is just a rough guess of how much I squeezed in. And stir.

Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment

Add in oil to fill your jar. We used baby oil as seen in the picture below. I thought it would be easier to see the snow, slightly more “realistic” to have a clear sky rather than a yellow one the first time around.

Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment

I learned that pouring the oil in onto a spoon instead of directly into the water cause less mixing of the two before adding alka seltzer tablets. Once they settle, the fun really starts.

Drop in an alka seltzer tablet or two and watch the snow fly.

Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment

Looking at the side of the jar afterward looks like looking out the window during a storm. Which is why I called this a snow storm in a jar.

Using an oil with color, like vegetable oil actually made it easier to see the snow. We did it both ways.

Snow Storm in A Jar Science Experiment
Yield: 1

Snow Storm in a Jar

Prep Time: 1 minute
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $2

Materials

  • oil - we used baby oil & vegetable oil
  • white paint
  • alka seltzer tablets
  • glitter - optional

Tools

  • a mason jar

Instructions

  1. Add a couple inches of water to the bottom of your jar.
  2. Add a tablespoon or so of white paint to your water and mix.
  3. Fill your jar up with oil of your choice.
  4. Add one or two alka seltzer tablets.

Notes

Using an oil with color, like vegetable oil actually made it easier to see the snow. We did it both ways.

Cloud in A Jar – Science Experiment

Making Rain in a Jar

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Arctic Animals – Science Experiment

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