======Snowstorm in a Jar======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Winter Lava Lamp
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Set a clear, smooth-sided jar on a tray. In a cup, mix a few tablespoons of water with a small squirt of white acrylic paint until uniform.
  - Pour the paint–water mix into the jar to make a bottom layer about 1–2 cm deep.
  - Slowly add baby oil to fill the jar about three-quarters full, keeping the water layer undisturbed underneath.
  - Break an effervescent tablet (such as Alka-Seltzer) into quarters. Drop in one piece and watch for 30–60 seconds as bubbles carry white droplets upward and “snow” falls back down.
  - Let the reaction stop, then add another quarter tablet to restart the storm. Repeat as desired.
  - Optional cleanup tip: if paint clings to the glass, wipe the inside surface above the water line with a finger or swab between runs, then continue.



====Links==== 
Snowstorm in a Jar - Easy Science Experiment Ideas - STEAM Powered Family: 
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Snow Storm In A Jar | DIY Science Experiment for Kids to do at home!!! - Ryan's World: 
{{youtube>T5j1BLftdIk?}}\\

📄 Snowstorm in a Jar Experiment - STEAM Powered Family: [[https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/snowstorm-in-a-jar/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Swap the tablet for a measured mix of citric acid and baking soda (acid–base reaction) and compare storm strength.
  * Add a pinch of glitter or use silver/Glow-in-the-Dark acrylic paint for sparkling or glowing snow.
  * Test variables: oil depth, jar diameter, tablet size, or water salinity; time how long each “storm” lasts.
  * Use colored water (food coloring) instead of paint to compare droplet visibility and wall buildup.
  * Make a “blizzard meter”: count droplets or measure average rise time with a ruler taped to the jar.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Adult supervision required; small tablets and glass jars can be hazards.
  * Do not ingest any materials; keep solutions and tablets away from young children and pets.
  * Acrylic paint can stain; protect surfaces and clothing.
  * Avoid pouring large amounts of oil down the drain. For disposal, decant oil into a sealable container for trash, wipe the jar with paper towels, then wash with warm, soapy water.
  * If using powdered citric acid and baking soda, avoid dust inhalation; wash hands after the activity.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the oil float on top of the water layer? (Oil is less dense and nonpolar; water is denser and polar, so they are immiscible.)
  * What makes the droplets rise and then fall? (CO₂ bubbles attach and increase buoyancy; when bubbles pop at the surface, buoyancy is lost and droplets sink.)
  * How would adding salt to the water layer change the storm? (Higher water density alters droplet buoyancy and can slow sinking.)
  * Why does paint sometimes stick to the glass? (Adhesion and wetting of pigment particles on the surface; smooth glass reduces sticking.)
  * What evidence shows a chemical reaction is occurring? (Fizzing, bubble formation, and renewed motion after each tablet piece is added.)