Whether you live in a climate where blizzards are common, or those little white flakes are rarely in your forecast, snow and all it entails is a holiday dream for all little minds. This winter break when the kids are asking for something to do, why not bring the whiteout inside with your own DIY fake snow? It’s even cold!
This blustery activity is actually a science experiment showcasing the properties of an endothermic reaction, but we like it because it’s disguised as big, freezing fun.
What you will need:
Large Bowl
Spatula
1 lb Baking Soda
Foaming Shaving Cream
Tips:
- This experiment is for about two children to share. Change the recipe’s proportions to fit the number of kids you need to accommodate.
- While this activity’s chemical reaction is already on the chilly side, put the foamy shaving cream in the refrigerator for a few hours beforehand to make it even colder!
- Be sure to cover your table. While none of the ingredients are harmful, the powdery consistency can get a little messy.
Pour the entire box of baking soda in the large bowl. A perfect task for the real little ones!
Next, squirt in about half the can of shaving cream. It should be just enough to coat the top of the baking soda at 3-4 inches deep.
Stir slowly, scraping the bottom to get all the baking soda. As they shaving cream and baking soda mix, a powdery, snow-like substance is left (it’s even cold!). If you feel you’ve gone too shaving cream heavy, sprinkle in a bit more baking soda.
Spill out on the table and watch the flurry of creativity!
And naturally, because of the many experiments with baking soda done in the past, the kids asked if the snow could “explode” like a volcano. Let’s try! Fill a small bowl with white vinegar…
Throw in some snowballs and watch the snow turn into fizzy fun!
The science behind it!
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with the acid/lanolin/sorbitan compound (shaving cream) creates a mixture that is cold to the touch, otherwise known as an endothermic reaction. It is fairly rare to get an endothermic reaction in the safety of your home without using actual chemicals!
Let it snow!
