5 Easy-to-do Winter Science Experiments

Adam Rifkin/Creative Commons
Adam Rifkin/Creative Commons

From erupting volcanoes to water vapor behavior, we’ve got your family covered when it comes to easy, at home science experiments:

1. Frozen Bubbles

Bubbles aren’t just for warm weather! Mix six parts water, two parts Joy dishwashing liquid, and 3/4 part corn syrup and let sit overnight. When the temperature hits the sub-zero range, bundle up, head out, and start blowing bubbles. Trying different techniques, from blowing into the air to straight onto a surface, will keep your kids busy for as long as they can stand the chill!

2. Snow Volcano

Place 2-4 tablespoons of baking soda in a plastic cup. Surround the cup in a mound of snow, creating the volcano. Add a few drops of liquid food coloring, and pour in some vinegar. Stand back and watch as the volcano erupts!

3. Frosty Can

Kids can put Jack Frost to shame right in the comfort of your warm kitchen. Fill a tin can with crushed ice, a little water, and a tablespoon of salt. The water vapor inside your home will begin to condense and freeze on the outside.

4. Lego Excavation

Turn your kids into cold weather archeologists by freezing Lego pieces in chunks of ice. Their brains will be working overtime as they problem solve ways to extract the Legos from their icy entrapments. Make sure to have warm water, kid friendly tools, some salt, and plenty of towels handy!

5. DIY Vapor Cloud

If temperatures have plummeted below zero, a boiling pot of water thrown in to the frigid air will create an instant vapor cloud. Take care to keep the kiddos behind you during this one.