Exploding Snowman Science Experiment
Who can forget the classic volcano science experiment?
It’s one of the staples of science classrooms and science fairs, and it’s just as fun to watch the volcano erupt as it is educational. Vinegar and baking soda create an unforgettable reaction that makes students squeal with delight every time.
While exploding volcanoes are a great way for kids to experiment with science, they require a lot of materials and time to put together, which is why they’re so popular at science fairs. They are truly a project!
What you might not know is that it’s easy to experiment with the same vinegar and baking soda reaction in the classroom with a fraction of the materials. Super low prep experiments that are exciting for kids AND educational? That’s what I’m all about!
This Exploding Snowman Science Experiment puts a snowy winter twist on the classic volcano science experiment. Instead of a volcano erupting, it’s a snowman!
The experiment is perfect for a festive winter activity for your classroom that’s also low-prep. I absolutely recommend it for a unit on snow, too! Your students will squeal with delight when they observe the exciting chemical reaction and see the snowman burst open.
Plus, your students will learn about the steps of the scientific method as they make their way through the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment. The printable handout walks them through the process as they make their own hypotheses, observations, and conclusions.
Best of all? This easy and fun winter science experiment now comes in a digital version, thanks to Google Slides! Now your students can practice their science skills, even when out of the classroom.
How does the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment work?
In the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment, students will observe what happens when baking soda and vinegar react! They will see first-hand how the reaction produces carbon dioxide gas. Seeing students reactions’ to this experiment never fails to put a smile on my face!
My favorite thing about this experiment is how easy it is to put together. You likely have the necessary supplies already around your home or in the classroom! Moreover, if students will be performing the experiment at home, the easily found supplies will be simple for their families to round up.
All you need for this experiment are…
● A Ziploc bag
● Markers
● Water
● Baking soda
● Vinegar
Seriously, that’s it! I love that these supplies are both accessible and inexpensive to get.
For the experiment, students will begin by drawing a snowman on their Ziploc bag with a marker.
Next, students add vinegar, water, and baking soda to their bag. It’s best to have the bag sitting in a container like a baking dish. Otherwise, things will get messy!
Finally, students will watch the baking soda, vinegar, and water do its magic and see their snowman ‘explode’!
What’s included in the Exploding Snowman Experiment resource?
This Exploding Snowman Experiment resource has everything you need to lead your students along an exciting scientific journey. Each step of the experiment is written out clearly, so you, students, and parents at home can complete it with ease. The resource includes…
· Cover Page
· Page 1: Explanation of the exploding snowman experiment (super useful for the parents)
· Page 2: Guided question and setting up a hypothesis
· Page 3: The actual experiment in both picture form and written form
· Page 4: Observations (in both written and picture form)
· Page 5: Conclusion
· Page 6: Explanation of the science behind the experiment (also includes a fill in the blank option)
All you need to do is print your pages, gather your supplies, and you’re ready to go! No extensive prepping is necessary, so you can provide your students with a fun science activity without spending hours putting it together.
The fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll also get access to a digital version of the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment so your students can stay up to date with their curriculum at home!
How does the digital version of the Exploding Snowman Experiment work?
Thanks to Google Slides, now you can get this easy activity at your fingertips! Each slide has a different step in the experiment, so students can simply click through each step.
The slides are easy to click through so both you and your students can easily navigate their way through the lesson.
The digital version has premade text boxes so your students can easily type in their findings at every step. Plus, there are editable directions at the side of each slide so you can customize the activity to perfectly fit your students’ needs.
If you are teaching remotely or drawing up a virtual learning syllabus, it’s easy to incorporate this Exploding Snowman Experiment into your plans for the day. Students can easily conduct this experiment at home.
You can even record yourself conducting the experiment so they have some extra guidance. If you’re not comfortable in front of the camera, look to Youtube to find videos with simple explanations of the scientific method!
This digital format is great for Zoom or video meeting lessons, too! Just share your screen and click through the slides at your students’ pace so they can follow along with ease.
Try the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment Today!
Teach your class the scientific method the fun way with this activity! Your students will absolutely love seeing their snowman ‘explode’ in this super low-prep experiment. Grab a copy of the Exploding Snowman Science Experiment here! Since it’s available in both print and digital formats, students can learn in the classroom or at home.
What other experiments do you like to do with your class during the winter? I’d love to hear from you!