Make a Snow Globe That Snows Slowly
Explore the magic of snow globes by building your own and discovering why the 'snow' falls so slowly. Families will experiment with different liquids to understand how liquid thickness affects how fast objects move through it, creating a festive, personalized snow globe.
The lesson goal is learners will construct their own snow globes and observe how particles move through different liquids. They will understand that liquid thickness, or viscosity, directly affects how fast objects fall, allowing them to explain the magic of a slow-falling snow globe.
What You Need
Missing something? Don't let it stop you. The app offers easy alternatives for every item you have at home.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction: The Mystery of Slow Snow5 Min
- Show a snow globe or picture. Ask: "What happens when you shake it? What makes the snow fall so slowly?"
- Move on when Child expresses curiosity about snow globes and offers initial ideas about why snow falls slowly.
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan: Our Snow Globe Race8 Min
- Gather all jars, liquids, glitter, and decorations. Set up your workspace.
- Introduce the 'Snow Race Chart.' Ask: "Which liquid do you think will make the snow fall slowest? Why?"
- Use the 'Snow Globe Design Page' to plan decorations for the final snow globe.
- Move on when Child has gathered materials, made predictions on the worksheet, and planned their snow globe design.
- 3
Discussion: The Secret of Thickness6 Min
- Pour a spoonful of water, then oil, and compare. Introduce viscosity: "Viscosity is how thick or sticky a liquid is. What liquids have high viscosity? Low viscosity?"
- Move on when Student can explain what viscosity is in their own words and says which liquid they now expect to be slowest.
Photo by Jahra Tasfia Reza on Pexels - 4
Activity: Building Our Snow Globes9 Min
- Fill one jar with water. Fill another with water and 1/4 cup sugar (stir well).
- Fill the third jar with cooking oil. Add a pinch of glitter to each.
- Secure lids. Shake all three jars. Time how long the 'snow' settles in each.
- Record times on your chart. Discuss which liquid was slowest and why.
- Decorate the inside of your favorite snow globe with small waterproof items.
- Move on when Child has created three experimental snow globes, performed the race, and decorated one snow globe.
Photo by Julia Filirovska on Pexels - 5
Summary: My Slowest Snow Globe2 Min
- Ask: "What was most surprising about our snow globe race? What did you learn about liquids?"
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway about viscosity or their favorite part of the activity.
Photo by Daniel Andraski on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
Add a twist your child will love, and we'll email you a printable guide made just for them. New to Mai? We'll set you up with a free 30-day guest pass so you can open it in the app.