How to Make a Snowstorm in a Jar: A Preschool Weather Science Experiment

Making a snowstorm in a jar is a delightful and educational activity for preschoolers that introduces them to basic weather concepts in a fun and interactive way. Here’s how to create your very own snowy scene!

You Will Need:

• A clear glass jar with a lid
• Water
• White glitter or artificial snow
• Baby oil or clear vegetable oil
• A few drops of blue food colouring (optional)
• A small piece of white foam or a cotton ball (optional for added effect)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jar: Begin by filling the jar about three-quarters full with water. If you’d like to add a touch of colour, mix in a few drops of blue food colouring to create a wintery atmosphere.

2. Add Oil: Next, carefully pour baby oil or vegetable oil into the jar, filling the remaining space. The oil will create a barrier that allows the glitter to float and swirl like snowflakes.

3. Add Snow: Sprinkle a generous amount of white glitter or artificial snow into the jar. This represents the snowflakes in our snowstorm.

4. Seal the Jar: Finally, secure the lid tightly on the jar. This step is crucial to prevent any spills during the experiment!

5. Create the Snowstorm: Once the jar is sealed, turn it upside down and shake gently. Watch as the glitter swirls and dances in the oil, mimicking a snowstorm. You can also let the jar rest upside down for a moment before returning it to an upright position, allowing the “snow” to settle back down slowly.

Through this simple experiment, children can learn about the properties of water and oil, as well as the beauty of a snowstorm. Encourage them to describe the motions they see and discuss what happens when the “snow” falls. It's a wonderful way to explore the wonders of weather right from the comfort of your home!

Creating a quick and easy volcano at home can be both educational and fun! Here’s how to do it using simple household items.

What You'll Need:

• A small plastic bottle or cup
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food colouring (optional)
• A tray or large plate to contain the mess
• Dish soap (optional, for a foamy effect)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Base: Place the plastic bottle or cup in the centre of the tray. This will serve as the volcano's core.

2. Add Baking Soda: Spoon in a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into the bottle. This will be the main ingredient for your eruption.

3. Mix in Dish Soap: If you'd like your eruption to be foamy, add a squirt of dish soap to the baking soda. This helps create a more dramatic effect when the volcano erupts.

4. Add Food Colouring: For a more realistic lava effect, add a few drops of food colouring to the baking soda.

5. Create the Eruption: Now for the exciting part! Pour vinegar into the bottle on top of the baking soda mixture. Step back and watch as your volcano erupts in a bubbly, colourful explosion!

Remember, this is a simple chemical reaction between the baking soda (a base) and the vinegar (an acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas and creates the fizzing eruption. Enjoy your scientific masterpiece!

Making your own bouncy ball can be a delightful and educational project, perfect for a rainy afternoon. Here’s a simple method to create your very own DIY bouncy ball using readily available materials.

Materials Needed:

• One tablespoon of white school glue
• Half a teaspoon of corn starch
• Half a teaspoon of water
• A few drops of food colouring (optional)
• A small bowl for mixing
• A plastic container or mould

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the white school glue, corn starch, and water. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth paste. If you want to add a splash of colour, this is the perfect time to mix in your food colouring.

2. Form the Ball: Once your mixture is nicely blended, take a small amount and roll it between your palms to form a ball shape. The size is entirely up to you, but a diameter of about 2.5 centimetres works best.

3. Set the Ball: If you have a mould, place the ball inside and let it set for a few hours. If not, simply leave it on a flat surface. The key is to allow the glue to dry and harden, which might take a bit longer depending on your environment.

4. Test the Bounce: After a few hours, your bouncy ball should be ready! Give it a gentle bounce on a hard surface and marvel at your creation.

Remember, the consistency might vary, and some experimentation could lead to an even bouncier ball. Have fun with different colours and sizes, and enjoy the satisfying thrill of watching your very own bouncy ball spring back to life!