Mai Lesson

Make a Snow Globe That Snows Slowly

Science · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together

Explore the magic of snow globes by building your own and discovering why the "snow" falls so slowly. Race the snow through different liquids to see how a liquid's thickness changes how fast things fall, then add a festive touch to your favorite jar.

What your child gets out of it

• Construct multiple snow globes using household materials to observe particle movement.
• Compare and contrast the rate of falling particles in liquids of different viscosities.
• Explain how liquid thickness (viscosity) affects the speed at which objects fall through it.

What you need

• Clear plastic jars with lids — Three, or four for the optional corn syrup jar. Plastic is safer for shaking and dropping.
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Cooking oil — Any clear cooking oil will work. (or Vegetable oil, Canola oil)
• Corn syrup or honey (optional) — For an optional fourth jar, if you have some at home.
• Glitter — Use the same snow in every jar: fine glitter or tiny foil bits. Skip paper; it soaks up oil. (or Tiny bits of aluminum foil)
• Small waterproof decorations — Must be waterproof and fit inside the jar. Avoid anything that will dissolve or rust. (or Plastic figurines, Laminated paper cutouts, Small pebbles)
• Spoon
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Timer — For older kids to time the snow fall. (or Smartphone timer)
• Worksheet (printed or plain paper) — The 'Snow Race Chart' and 'Snow Globe Design Page' from the pack, or draw similar tables on plain paper.

How it runs

1. Introduction: The Mystery of Slow Snow · 5 min
2. Explore & Plan: Our Snow Globe Race · 8 min
3. Discussion: The Secret of Thickness · 6 min
4. Activity: Building Our Snow Globes · 9 min
5. Summary: My Slowest Snow Globe · 2 min