How to Make Expanding Snow Powder

Snow play is not possible in the summer unless you make your own fake snow.

You can effectively create expanding snow powder for children to play with by using a polymer gel powder or sodium polyacrylate. The snow powder can be piled on Christmas tree branches and is useful as fake snow around a Christmas village collection. Making fake snow that expands is also an interesting way to teach children about science and the absorption abilities of different materials.

Things You'll Need

• Polymer gel powder or sodium polyacrylate (water crystals)
• Measuring cup
• Plastic bowl or tray
• Disposable diapers (optional)

Instructions

1. Place 1 ounce of the polymer gel powder or sodium polyacrylate into a plastic bowl or tray.

2. Slowly add approximately 10 ounces of cool or room-temperature water to the powder.

3. Stir the mixture until the powder expands and gets a fluffy consistency.

4. Add more water for a slushier snow consistency.

Tips & Warnings

• Sodium polyacrylate is sold at garden centers or home supply stores.

• You can also use the powder found inside a disposable diaper to make expanding snow. Rip open the diaper, put the powder in a bowl, and add water to the powder.

References

• Water Gel Crystals: Texas Dry Snow Polymer (SAP G-70)
• Chemical Kim Science: Making Snow