How Much is in the Snowball?

[20 Minutes]

Did you ever wonder how much water is in the snow? This activity will let your child discover that and quite a bit more!

You'll need:

• colander or strainer • coffee filter • scoop of snow • bowl • measuring cup

What to do:

1. Invite your child to think about snow by asking some questions such as: "What happens when snow melts? Is there anything left? What do you know about snow?"
2. Suggest that he make a small snowball and place it into a colander or strainer lined with a coffee filter. Place the colander over a bowl.
3. Periodically, have him check the progress of the melting snowball.
4. Have your child observe what is left in the filter.
5. Then ask him to pour the water from the bowl into the measuring cup to see how much liquid was in the snowball.
6. After one observation, invite your child to predict how much water will be in another snowball. Vary the size of the snowballs and compare the results.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What was left in the filter? How long did it take the snowball to melt? Can you think of a way to make it melt faster?
• Do you think it's a good idea to eat snow? Why or why not?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity provides experiences for developing concepts related to science and measurement.