Snow Storm in a Jar is one of those easy winter science activities that looks impressive, but takes hardly any prep. When I need a simple way to bring hands-on learning to the table, this is the kind of experiment I reach for.

If you’re collecting seasonal ideas, you’ll also love my roundup of weather activities for kids. It’s packed with fun science ideas that work well for preschool through elementary.

Below, you will find out what you’ll need, what to expect, and how to turn this snow jar experiment into a full weather lesson. Keep reading to try it at home with your kids.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Why do kids need to learn about snowstorms?

Snowstorms are one of the coolest weather events for kids to study because they can actually see the changes happening around them. Even if you live somewhere that only gets a dusting once in a while, talking about snow helps children understand seasons, temperature, and how weather patterns shift.

This snowstorm-in-a-jar experiment makes those ideas easier to picture. Instead of just reading about winter storms, kids get a front-row view of swirling “snow” forming right in the jar.

Recommended Weather Books

Pairing a quick experiment with a few weather books is such an easy win. I like choosing simple picture books for younger kids and fact-filled ones for older students.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Weatherpedia: The most complete weather reference ever National Geographic Readers: Weather What’s the Weather?: Clouds, Climate, and Global Warming Explore My World Clouds When The Sky Roars Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)

What can kids learn from this activity?

This winter weather science experiment is more than just something pretty to watch. It’s a great way to talk through what’s happening, ask questions, and build early science skills.

Here are a few important things kids can learn:

Cause and effect: when something changes in the jar, something else happens right after
Observation skills: noticing movement, layers, and how the “snow” travels
Basic weather concepts: learning how storms can build, swirl, and settle

Recommended Weather Printable Packs

If you want to keep the weather theme going, I have a couple of printable packs that work well alongside this experiment. They’re a great fit for adding worksheets, hands-on pages, and weather learning games.

Supplies Needed for the Snowstorm Activity

Clear glass jar
Baby oil
Water
White acrylic paint
Spoon
Measuring cup
Blue glitter
Alka-Seltzer
Spill tray (optional)

Making the snowstorm experiment

Once everything is ready, this activity comes together quickly, which is perfect if your day already feels full. I set it up on a tray so I didn’t have to worry about drips on the table.

The best part is watching the jar transform. The layers form first, then the movement starts, and suddenly you’ve got a stormy winter scene that kids can’t stop staring at.

When my teens did this, they were amused by how something so simple looked so cool. They ended up standing around the jar longer than I expected, pointing out what they noticed and trying to explain why it was happening.

Ways to extend the activity

If your kids love the snow jar as much as mine did, it’s easy to stretch it into a longer lesson. Here are a few fun ways to build on the activity.

Try a severe weather worksheet set: These pages give kids a chance to review what they know and learn new storm facts.
Add a daily weather-tracking page: Tracking the weather is a simple way to build consistency in observation and recording.
Test different glitter colors: Swap the blue glitter for silver, white, or even iridescent glitter to see how the “snow” looks in different light.
Compare storm types: Talk about how snowstorms differ from thunderstorms, hurricanes, and windy days, then have your child describe each one.

DIY Snowstorm jar activity is a simple winter science activity that feels special, even on an ordinary school day. If you want a weather lesson that’s quick to prep and fun to watch, this experiment is a great pick.