Blog

♫ Let It Snow (x3) ♫

By Nicole Burns In Lifelong Learning

December 12, 2019

Looking ahead at the weather, it is almost certain we will not have a white Christmas here in Tidewater Virginia. – This week alone had temps up in the 70s!

In case you are new to the region and need some snow to get into the holiday spirit, this easy science experiment can help. It also doubles as a very cool sensory play activity for your little ones. The best part is that it only requires two ingredients; shaving cream and baking soda.

What you will need:

• Baking soda
• Foaming shaving cream
• Bowl
• Stirring utensil

Procedures:

In a bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and shaving cream. Beware that the shaving cream foam expands rapidly! Stir and add more of either ingredient until desired consistency is observed.

It should become a white, powdery texture; perfect for a snowy fairy garden scene.

The Science:

Shaving cream foam is a type of colloid, where gas bubbles are trapped in liquid. The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) binds to the liquid component when mixed, but is kept light and fluffy due to all of the trapped air.

As you mixed your snow, you may have also noticed it felt a little cold. This is because this reaction is endothermic; absorbing heat energy from its environment, effectively decreasing the temperature.

Extend the Activity:

Explore acid/base reactions and add some vinegar for some foamy fun!

Just in case you are unsure about introducing this activity in your pristine home, join us this Saturday, December 14th from 10am-12pm at Owl Be Home and make a mess with us!