Snowstorm in a Jar

Layer a water–paint mixture beneath baby oil and start an acid–base reaction with pieces of effervescent tablet. Carbon dioxide bubbles lift painty water droplets up through the oil; when bubbles burst, the droplets fall like snow.

1. 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.
2. Pour the paint–water mix into the jar to make a bottom layer about 1–2 cm deep.
3. Slowly add baby oil to fill the jar about three-quarters full, keeping the water layer undisturbed underneath.
4. 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.
5. Let the reaction stop, then add another quarter tablet to restart the storm. Repeat as desired.
6. 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.

Snowstorm in a Jar - Easy Science Experiment Ideas - STEAM Powered Family:

Snow Storm In A Jar | DIY Science Experiment for Kids to do at home!!! - Ryan's World:

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)