Winter Science Activities

Winter is coming, and the colder weather sets the stage for some cool Winter science experiments. It’s a great opportunity to learn about ice, snowflakes, snow, and all things winter

These hands-on activities make learning fun and relevant during the winter months. Gather your warm clothes, and try some simple science experiments and STEM activities fit for the season. Let’s explore!

Symmetrical Snowflake Cutting

You don’t need to head out into the cold for this activity. Create beautiful snowflakes by folding and cutting paper. This classic activity teaches children about geometry and symmetry while making festive seasonal decorations.

Materials:

• White paper or thin cardstock
• Scissors
• Pencil (optional)
• Glitter or markers (optional for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paper:
   • Start with a square piece of paper. If using rectangular paper, fold one corner to the opposite edge and cut off the excess to make a square.
2. Fold the Paper:
   • Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle.
   • Fold the triangle in half again to make a smaller triangle.
   • Fold the triangle into thirds by bringing the right corner across the front and the left corner behind.
3. Trim Excess Paper:
   • Cut off the uneven edges at the bottom so you have a neat wedge shape.
4. Design Your Snowflake:
   • Draw simple shapes along the edges of the folded paper if desired.
5. Cut Out Shapes:
   • Carefully cut small shapes out of the edges of the folded paper. Be sure not to cut all the way across.
6. Unfold the Snowflake:
   • Gently open the paper to reveal a symmetrical snowflake.
7. Decorate (Optional):
   • Add glitter or color with markers to enhance your snowflake.

Scientific Concepts:

• Symmetry: Understanding how identical parts on opposite sides create balance.
• Geometry: Exploring shapes and how they fit together.
• Pattern Recognition: Seeing how repeated shapes form complex designs.

Extra Tips:

• Use different sizes of paper to make various snowflake sizes.
• Experiment with different cuts to create unique patterns.
• Discuss how no two snowflakes are exactly alike in nature.

Growing Crystal Ornaments

Grow your own crystals to make sparkling ornaments. This experiment demonstrates how crystals form from a saturated solution.

Materials:

• Borax powder (3 tablespoons per cup of water)
• Hot water (enough to fill your container; about 1 to 2 cups per ornament)
• Glass jar or container (heat-resistant)
• Pipe cleaners (one per ornament)
• Pencil or stick (we used chopsticks)
• String
• Spoon
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Shape the Ornament:
   • Bend a pipe cleaner into a festive shape like a star or heart.
2. Attach the String:
   • Tie a piece of string to the top of the pipe cleaner shape.
   • Tie the other end to a pencil or stick.
3. Prepare the Solution:
   • Boil water and carefully pour it into the jar.
   • Add borax powder to the water (about 3 tablespoons per cup of water).
   • Stir until the borax dissolves, creating a saturated solution.
   • Add food coloring if desired.
4. Submerge the Ornament:
   • Place the pipe cleaner shape into the solution, hanging it from the pencil so it doesn’t touch the sides or bottom.
5. Let Crystals Grow:
   • Leave the jar undisturbed overnight.
6. Remove and Dry:
   • Carefully take out the ornament.
   • Let it dry completely on a paper towel.

Scientific Concepts:

• Crystallization: Understanding how crystals form when a saturated solution cools.
• Saturation Point: Learning that a solution can hold only a certain amount of dissolved substance.
• Nucleation Sites: Seeing how crystals start to form on the pipe cleaner surface.

Extra Tips:

• Ensure the solution is fully saturated for the best crystal growth.
• Use different shapes and colors for variety.
• Handle the crystals gently; they can be fragile.

Creating Festive Ice Ornaments

Here’s a fun science activity to make decorative ice ornaments to hang outside in cold weather. Learn about changing states of matter as water freezes (and thaws to turn into liquid again.)

Materials:

• Shallow containers or molds (like muffin tins)
• Water
• Natural items (berries, leaves, pine needles)
• Ribbon or string
• Freezer or outdoor area below freezing
• Small loops of string or ribbon

Instructions:

1. Arrange Decorations:
   • Place natural items in the bottom of each container.
2. Add Water:
   • Pour water over the items, filling the container halfway.
3. Insert Hanging Loop:
   • Place a loop of string or ribbon into the water, ensuring one end is submerged.
4. Freeze the Ornaments:
   • Place the containers in the freezer or leave them outside if it’s cold enough.
   • Allow them to freeze completely.
5. Remove from Molds:
   • Once frozen, remove the ice ornaments from the containers.
6. Hang Outside:
   • Use the embedded loops to hang the ornaments on tree branches.

Scientific Concepts:

• Freezing Point: Learning how water turns to ice at 0°C (32°F).
• States of Matter: Observing the change from liquid to solid.
• Transparency and Light: Noticing how light passes through ice.

Extra Tips:

• Use distilled water for clearer ice.
• Add food coloring for colorful ornaments.
• Monitor the weather to ensure temperatures stay below freezing.

Check out some other experiments with changing states of matter

Frozen Sun Catchers

Create beautiful sun catchers made of ice that capture sunlight. This project combines art with science to demonstrate freezing and light refraction.

If you made ice ornaments in the above experiment, you can observe how they catch and refract light.

If you want a simpler version of this and are fortunate enough to have hanging icicles on a sunny day, you can check out how the ice reflects and refracts the sunlight.

Materials:

• Round cake pan or pie dish
• Water
• Natural items (flowers, leaves, citrus slices)
• String or ribbon
• Small plastic cup or bottle cap
• Freezer or outdoor area below freezing

Instructions:

1. Arrange Decorations:
   • Place natural items in the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Water:
   • Fill the pan with water, covering the items.
3. Create a Hole for Hanging:
   • Place a small plastic cup or bottle cap filled with stones on the edge of the pan, half-submerged. This will create a hole when frozen.
4. Freeze the Sun Catcher:
   • Put the pan in the freezer or leave it outside in freezing temperatures.
5. Remove the Mold:
   • Once fully frozen, take the pan out.
   • Remove the plastic cup to reveal the hole.
6. Hang the Sun Catcher:
   • Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole.
   • Hang it outside where it can catch sunlight.

Scientific Concepts:

• Light Refraction: Seeing how light bends when passing through ice. Can you get a prism or rainbow effect?
• Freezing Process: Understanding how water solidifies and traps objects.
• Temperature Effects: Observing how ice behaves in different conditions.

Extra Tips:

• Hang the sun catcher where it gets direct sunlight for the best effect.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of molds.
• Discuss what happens when the temperature rises and the ice melts.

Snowstorm in a Jar

Create a swirling snowstorm inside a jar. This activity shows how liquids interact and teaches about density and chemical reactions.

Materials:

• Clear glass jar with lid (16 ounces or larger)
• Baby oil (1 cup)
• Warm water (1 cup)
• White paint (1 tablespoon)
• Alka-Seltzer tablet (1 tablet, broken into pieces)
• Silver glitter (1 teaspoon, optional)
• Blue food coloring (a few drops, optional)
• Spoon for stirring

Instructions:

1. Fill the Jar with Oil:
   • Pour 1 cup of baby oil into the jar.
2. Prepare the Water Mixture:
   • In a separate container, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of white paint.
   • Stir until the paint dissolves.
   • Add a few drops of blue food coloring if desired.
3. Combine Liquids:
   • Slowly pour the water mixture into the jar with the oil.
   • Allow the layers to settle; the water will sink below the oil.
4. Add Glitter (Optional):
   • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of silver glitter into the jar.
5. Create the Snowstorm:
   • Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces.
   • Drop one piece into the jar.
   • Watch as the “snow” swirls inside.
6. Repeat the Reaction:
   • When the bubbling stops, add another piece of Alka-Seltzer to continue the effect.

Scientific Concepts:

• Density: Oil floats on water because it is less dense.
• Chemical Reaction: Alka-Seltzer reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide gas.
• Movement of Gas Bubbles: Gas bubbles carry water upward through the oil, creating a snowstorm effect.

Extra Tips:

• Safety: Do not seal the jar tightly during the reaction.
• Experiment: Try different amounts of paint or glitter.
• Reuse: You can repeat the reaction multiple times by adding more Alka-Seltzer.

Melting Ice with Salt

Discover how salt affects the melting rate of ice. This experiment demonstrates how substances can change the freezing point of water.

Materials:

• Ice cubes (4 or more)
• Two plates or shallow bowls
• Table salt (1 tablespoon)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Food coloring (a few drops, optional)

Instructions:

1. Place Ice Cubes:
   • Put two ice cubes on each plate.
2. Add Salt to One Plate:
   • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt evenly over the ice cubes on one plate.
   • Leave the other plate without salt as a control.
3. Optional Coloring:
   • Add a drop of food coloring on top of each ice cube to observe melting patterns.
4. Start Timing:
   • Begin the timer to track melting time.
5. Observe and Compare:
   • Watch how quickly the ice melts on each plate.
   • Note the differences over 15 minutes.
6. Record Findings:
   • Write down your observations about which ice cubes melted faster.

Scientific Concepts:

• Freezing Point Depression: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt faster.
• Phase Change: Understanding how substances can change states from solid to liquid.
• Real-World Application: Explains why salt is used to melt ice on roads.

Extra Tips:

• Experiment Further: Try using sugar or sand instead of salt.
• Discussion: Talk about how this affects the environment.
• Observation Skills: Encourage noting temperature and other conditions.

Build a Snow Volcano

This is a great snow day activity! Make an erupting volcano out of snow. This fun activity illustrates a classic chemical reaction using common household items.

Materials:

• Fresh snow (enough to build a small mound)
• Empty plastic bottle (12-ounce size)
• Baking soda (4 tablespoons)
• White vinegar (1 cup)
• Dish soap (2 tablespoons)
• Red food coloring (a few drops, optional)
• Funnel (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Position the Bottle:
   • Place the empty bottle upright in the snow.
2. Build the Volcano Shape:
   • Pack snow around the bottle to form a mountain, leaving the opening exposed.
3. Add Ingredients:
   • Use a funnel to add 4 tablespoons of baking soda into the bottle.
   • Pour in 2 tablespoons of dish soap.
   • Add a few drops of red food coloring for lava effect.
4. Prepare for Eruption:
   • Measure 1 cup of vinegar in a separate container.
5. Erupt the Volcano:
   • Quickly pour the vinegar into the bottle.
   • Step back and watch the eruption flow over the snow.

Scientific Concepts:

• Chemical Reaction: Baking soda reacts with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas.
• Gas Expansion: The gas creates pressure, causing the mixture to bubble and overflow.
• Acid-Base Reaction: An example of how acids and bases interact.

Extra Tips:

• Safety: Stand back to avoid splashes.
• Cleanup: The ingredients are safe for the environment.
• Variations: Try different amounts to see how the eruption changes.

Make a Snow Gauge

Every wonder how much snow just fell in your backyard or sidewalk? Track snowfall with a homemade snow gauge. This project teaches about measuring and recording weather data.

Materials:

• Clear plastic bottle or jar (straight sides, 1-liter size works well)
• Ruler
• Permanent marker
• Notebook and pen
• Shovel (optional, to clear placement area)
• Rocks or stakes (to secure the gauge)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gauge:
   • Remove labels from the bottle.
   • Use the ruler to mark measurements in centimeters or inches on the side.
   • Number each mark clearly with the permanent marker.
2. Select a Location:
   • Find an open area away from buildings or trees.
3. Place the Gauge:
   • Secure the bottle upright using rocks or stakes.
   • Ensure the bottom is level with the ground.
4. Record Initial Reading:
   • Write down the date and time you set up the gauge.
5. Measure Snowfall:
   • After it snows, check the depth of snow collected in the gauge.
   • Record the measurement in your notebook. How many inches of snow did you record?
6. Reset the Gauge:
   • Empty the snow and place the gauge back for the next snowfall.

Scientific Concepts:

• Measurement: Learning to use tools to collect data.
• Meteorology: Understanding precipitation and weather patterns.
• Data Collection: Tracking changes over time.

Extra Tips:

• Consistency: Measure at the same time each day.
• Graph Results: Create charts to visualize snowfall over weeks.
• Explore Further: Compare your data with local weather reports.

Observe Animal Tracks

Discover the wildlife around you by finding and identifying animal tracks in the snow. This activity enhances observation skills and teaches about animal behavior in winter.

We live in a suburban area, and are always amazed at the number and diversity of animal tracks we see the morning after a fresh snowfall!

Materials:

• Warm clothing and boots
• Notebook and pencil
• Field guide to animal tracks – Google Lens also works (optional)
• Camera or smartphone (optional)
• Measuring tape or ruler (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare for the Walk:
   • Dress warmly with appropriate winter gear.
   • Bring your notebook, pencil, and optional materials.
2. Choose a Location:
   • Select a safe outdoor area where animals are likely to be present, such as a park, forest, or near a stream.
3. Begin Exploring:
   • Walk slowly and look carefully at the ground for tracks in the snow.
4. Observe the Tracks:
   • When you find tracks, examine them closely.
   • Note the size, shape, and pattern of the tracks.
   • Use the measuring tape to record the size if desired.
5. Record Your Findings:
   • Sketch the tracks in your notebook.
   • Write down any observations about the number of toes, claw marks, and gait patterns.
6. Identify the Animal:
   • Use a field guide or app to help identify which animal made the tracks.
7. Take Photos (Optional):
   • Photograph the tracks for later study or sharing.
8. Continue Exploring:
   • Look for other signs of animals, such as droppings, feathers, or burrows.

Scientific Concepts:

• Biology and Ecology: Understanding animal habitats and behaviors during winter.
• Observation Skills: Enhancing attention to detail and recording data.
• Track Identification: Learning how different animals have unique footprints.

Extra Tips:

• Safety First: Always tell someone where you’re going and consider going with a companion.
• Best Time: Early morning is ideal when tracks are fresh.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and do not disturb their habitats.
• Different Surfaces: Tracks can also be found in mud or soft ground if snow is not available.

Frozen Bubble Science

Blow bubbles in freezing temperatures and watch them turn into delicate ice spheres. This experiment demonstrates how bubbles behave differently in the cold.

Materials:

• Bubble solution (store-bought or homemade)
• Bubble wand or straw
• Cold outdoor temperatures (below 0°C or 32°F)
• Gloves and warm clothing
• Optional Homemade Bubble Solution:
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons dish soap
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup or sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bubble Solution (If Making Homemade):
   • Mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar.
   • Stir gently to avoid creating foam.
2. Dress Warmly:
   • Wear gloves and warm clothing to stay comfortable outside.
3. Go Outside:
   • Choose a day when the temperature is well below freezing.
4. Blow Bubbles:
   • Dip the bubble wand into the solution.
   • Gently blow bubbles into the air or onto a cold surface like snow.
5. Observe the Bubbles:
   • Watch as the bubbles freeze and form ice crystals.
   • Notice how the bubbles become fragile and may shatter upon touching.
6. Take Photos (Optional):
   • Capture images of the frozen bubbles to observe the patterns.

Scientific Concepts:

• States of Matter: Observing how liquids can turn into solids.
• Freezing Point: Learning that the bubble solution freezes in cold temperatures.
• Surface Tension: Understanding how bubbles form and maintain their shape.

Extra Tips:

• Best Conditions: Calm, windless days work best to prevent bubbles from popping.
• Enhance Visibility: Use a dark background to see the frozen bubbles better.
• Experiment: Try placing bubbles on different cold surfaces to see how they freeze.

Making Fake Snow

Do you live in an area where snow is a rare event, or it just hasn’t snowed in a while? Make your own snow using simple household materials. This activity teaches about absorption and the properties of polymers.

Materials:

• Baking soda (2 cups)
• White hair conditioner (1/2 cup) or shaving cream
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or hands for mixing
• Alternative Materials (Using Sodium Polyacrylate):
  • Disposable diapers (to extract sodium polyacrylate)
  • Water (2 cups)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • Pour 2 cups of baking soda into the mixing bowl.
2. Add Conditioner or Shaving Cream:
   • Gradually add 1/2 cup of white hair conditioner or shaving cream to the baking soda.
3. Mix Thoroughly:
   • Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the mixture reaches a snow-like consistency.
4. Adjust Consistency:
   • If too dry, add more conditioner or shaving cream.
   • If too wet, add more baking soda.
5. Play with the Fake Snow:
   • Mold it into shapes, make snowballs, or build small snowmen.

Alternative Method Using Sodium Polyacrylate:

1. Extract Polymer:
   • Carefully open a disposable diaper to access the fluffy material inside.
   • Place the fluff into a bowl.
2. Add Water:
   • Slowly add up to 2 cups of water to the fluff, stirring as you go.
   • The material will absorb the water and expand into a snow-like substance.

Scientific Concepts:

• Absorption: Understanding how materials can soak up liquids.
• Polymers: Learning about long chains of molecules that have special properties.
• States of Matter: Exploring how materials can change texture and form.

Extra Tips:

• Safety: Do not ingest the fake snow and wash hands after play.
• Storage: Keep the fake snow in an airtight container for future use.
• Cold Snow: Place the fake snow in the refrigerator for a real snow feel.

Make Your Own Frost

Colder temperatures usually mean frost. We can do a simple experiments and create our own frost to learn how it works.

Create frost on a can to observe how condensation and freezing occur. This experiment demonstrates temperature differences and phase changes.

Materials:

• Empty metal can (like a soda can)
• Crushed ice (enough to fill the can halfway)
• Salt (1/4 cup)
• Spoon for stirring
• Thermometer (optional)
• Paper towels or tray (to catch condensation)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Can:
   • Rinse the can and remove any labels.
   • Place it on a paper towel or tray to catch drips.
2. Fill the Can with Ice:
   • Fill the can halfway with crushed ice.
3. Add Salt:
   • Pour 1/4 cup of salt over the ice in the can.
4. Stir the Mixture:
   • Use the spoon to mix the salt and ice together thoroughly.
5. Wait and Observe:
   • Watch the outside of the can.
   • After a few minutes, frost will begin to form on the surface of the can.
6. Optional Temperature Measurement:
   • Use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside the can. It may drop below freezing.

Scientific Concepts:

• Freezing Point Depression: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing the temperature to drop.
• Condensation and Freezing: Water vapor in the air condenses on the cold can and freezes into frost.
• Phase Changes: Observing the transition from gas (water vapor) to solid (frost).

Extra Tips:

• Experiment Further: Try using different amounts of salt to see how it affects frost formation.
• Discussion: Talk about how this relates to frost forming on cold surfaces in winter.
• Safety: Handle the cold can carefully to avoid frostbite.

Wrap Up – Winter STEM Activities

Winter offers unique opportunities for learning and exploration. You can see concepts in action, from the formation of ice crystals to the behavior of animals in cold climates. Hands on experiences like these make abstract ideas tangible and understandable.

Try these winter themed science experiments with your family or classroom. It’s a fun and educational way to spend time during the winter months and a great cure for cabin fever. Embrace the season, and let the wonders of science warm your imagination.