Baking Soda Snowman
Create a delightful winter decoration while learning about crystallization with this fun baking soda snowman project, perfect for all ages.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar Substitutions: apple cider vinegar or lemon juice may be used.
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup Granulated sugar can be used as an alternative.
- as needed food coloring Optional for decoration.
Tools and Accessories
- 1 small bowl for mixing
- 1 tray or dish for shaping the snowman
- 1 spoon for stirring
- as needed pipe cleaners or small accessories for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of water. Stir well until the mixture is a thick paste.
Shaping the Snowman
- On a tray, form the baking soda mixture into three spheres, stacking them from largest to smallest to create a snowman shape.
- Ensure each ball is well-formed and smooth.
Crystal-Forming Solution
- In another bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of corn syrup.
- If using food coloring, add a few drops for a festive touch.
Applying the Solution
- Carefully pour or spoon the vinegar and corn syrup mixture over the snowman.
- Watch as the reaction begins, with fizzing sounds and the formation of textures.
Growth Period
- Leave the snowman in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours.
- Observe the crystal growth as the baking soda dries.
Decoration
- Once the crystals have formed, use pipe cleaners or small accessories to decorate your snowman.
Notes
Custom Colors: Use different food coloring for each snowman layer for a colorful design. Experiment with varying amounts of vinegar or corn syrup to see how it affects crystal growth.