Merrily Made of Snow and Chillin' in the Winter
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Are you looking for an engaging and educational winter science experiment for kids? Look no further than the "Frosty the Snowman - Frost on a Can" experiment!
This intriguing experiment, inspired by the winter snowstorm in a jar from "A Dab of Glue Will Do", is a fantastic way to introduce children to the wonders of science. The experiment can be easily customized to suit your creative flair, making it a perfect addition to your winter activities.
To conduct the experiment, you'll need a clean and empty tin can, crushed ice, water, and salt. Fill the tin can about half full with ice, add a little water, and a couple of tablespoons of salt.
As the salt mixes with the ice and water, an interesting phenomenon occurs. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, a phenomenon known as freezing point depression. This means that the solution remains liquid below 0°C because the salt disrupts ice formation.
The addition of salt to the icy water mixture causes some of the ice to melt, absorbing heat from the surroundings, including the metal can. This melting process cools the can, making it colder than the air’s dew point. As a result, water vapor in the surrounding air begins to condense on the cold metal surface.
Because the can is now colder than the freezing point of water vapor, the condensed moisture freezes, forming a layer of frost on the can. This process can be observed in various winter science experiments for kids, such as ice fishing, painting on ice, and making icy decorations.
For an added twist, you can compare how fast the frost forms on two cans using ice cubes and crushed ice. An optional timer can be used to measure the time it takes for frost to form on each can.
Children seemed to enjoy watching the frost appear in the experiment, making it a fun and interactive way to learn about science. The "Frosty the Snowman - Frost on a Can" experiment demonstrates the formation of frost due to the lowering of the freezing point of water by salt.
Article last updated on June 30, 2025, by Emma Vanstone.
References:
[3] Freezing Point Depression - Hyperphysics [5] Frost Formation - National Geographic Kids
- The "Frosty the Snowman - Frost on a Can" experiment is a great learning opportunity for kids, introducing them to the scientific phenomenon of freezing point depression, which is caused when salt lowers the freezing point of water.
- This winter science experiment, besides being enjoyable, can be customized to fit your creative needs, making it a perfect fit for various health-and-wellness focused learning environments or even fitness-and-exercise sessions for kids.
- By comparing the frost formation process on two cans using ice cubes and crushed ice, children can observe and learn about the role of ice structure in the freezing point depression experiment, fostering a deeper understanding of science.
- Engaging kids in science experiments like "Frosty the Snowman - Frost on a Can" helps them grasp essential science concepts while fostering their natural curiosity and love for learning.
