Did you know that a snow globe can become a snow globe science project? The difference between most crafts and a science experiment is how it is approached.
When creating a snow globe science project, set up a hypothesis, such as determining the ideal amount of glycerine to add to a snow globe for the perfect snowfall.
Other science topics can also be researched using a snow globe, like vortexes, density, and light refraction. It’s one of our favorite winter science experiments!
What Can Kids Learn Making a DIY Snow Globe?
There is a lot to learn with a snow globe science project!
With a little bit of planning, you can transform this snowglobe craft into a STEAM activity.
How?
All you have to do is take some time to experiment and ask questions about the science and other STEM topics that make a snow globe a snow globe!
And if you like this activity, don’t forget to check out our other winter STEM activities for kids.
Snow Globe Science
A homemade snow globe is a lesson in viscosity, light refraction, and gravity. And when the DIY snow globe is shaken, kids can learn about weather, tornadoes, and vortexes, too!
The general design of a snow globe is that “snow” is added inside a jar and shaken. Then, the snow descends and you can repeat the process.
First, adding glycerine to the jar changes the viscosity of the liquid. So more glycerine equals a slower glitter fall.
A globe shape changes how light refracts, which can distort the image inside of the globe. When placed in different locations, your Pokemon characters can look quite hilarious!
Kids can make a tornado in a jar by swirling it around and watching the mini “tornado” form. You can use this information to learn about tornadoes and tsunamis!
STEAM Elements in the Snow Globe Science Project
Make a simple snow globe craft into a STEAM for kids activity by discussing some of the following topics when completing your project. Record your data and answers and you have a complete snow globe science project!
- Science: Weather, vortexes, light refraction, solutions, viscosity
- Technology: Glycerine, toy production
- Engineering: Globe assembly, design planning, removing air from the jar
- Art: Globe design
- Math: Measuring, ratios, solutions
Don’t forget to record your data in a science notebook!
Creating a Pokemon Snow Globe Science Project
Follow along with our tutorial to make your very own Pokemon snowglobe!
And when you’re done with this project, share your photos and videos on social media using #steamsational so we can see your project, too!
Materials for a snow globe science project:
- Distilled water (water without minerals tends to be cloudy. Tap water works fine but distilled will look nicer)
- Glycerin (this helps the glitter to fall more slowly)- order on Amazon
- Glitter, sequins, stars, etc. White and silver tend to look best. Waterproof characters about 1-2 inches in height (we used these)
- Snow Globe (on Amazon here)
- Glue (E6000 for best results)
- (Optional) bottle caps
Making the Pokemon Snow Globe
First, glue your characters onto the stopper from the snow globe. You can use either a hot glue gun or E6000. We prefer the E6000 for a longer-lasting snow globe.
If your Pokemon is low to the ground, you might want to glue it onto a bottle cap first. This will make them a bit higher up in the jar.
Play with the design and what characters you have. You may want to put several in the globe!
Next, fill your snow globe up about halfway with the distilled water. Distilled water is better because it won’t get cloudy over time.
Add your glitter, sequins, stars, or whatever else you want to the jar!
Pour in your glycerin. A teaspoon should be enough but you can add more. The glitter will fall more slowly with more glycerin.
Finish adding the water to your snow globe.
Make sure the glue on the characters is dry before proceeding. This can take up to 24 hours if you have used E6000 glue.
Hold your snow globe over a sink to add the stopper – some water will spill over.
Twist on the lid and enjoy your Pokemon snow globe!
If you can’t get enough of Pokemon, you’ll also love our DIY real pokeball experiment and our melty bead Pokemon.
More Winter Science Activities
Colorful Snow Volcano Experiment Using Real Snow
How to Make Borax Crystal Snowflakes in Minutes!
