(click the video above for the full tutorial of how to make a snow storm in a jar)
Winter is the perfect season for cozy, creative fun that also teaches valuable concepts. These sensory and STEAM-inspired art projects are engaging for kids of all ages and provide hands-on learning opportunities. Perfect for a classroom activity or family bonding time, these projects are simple to set up and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive in!
1. Snowstorm in a Jar
Bring the magic of a swirling snowstorm indoors with this mesmerizing project. Using common household items, you can create a mini snowstorm that’s as fun to watch as it is to make.
Materials:
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Clear jar or glass
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Baby oil
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White paint (tempera or acrylic)
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Water
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Glitter (optional for sparkle)
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Alka-Seltzer tablets
- (optional) mini plastic animals or trees
Instructions:
1. Fill the jar about three-quarters full with baby oil.
2. In a separate cup, mix a few tablespoons of white paint with about a 1/4 cup of water until it’s liquid but opaque.
3. Pour the paint mixture into the jar with the oil. Watch as the two layers separate due to their different densities.
4. Sprinkle in glitter for extra shimmer.
5. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces and drop one in. Watch the snowstorm come to life as bubbles rise and carry the paint through the oil.
- For added fun, you can hot glue mini plastic animals or trees into the bottom of the jar before starting so that your snow storm resembles a snow globe! I found these woodland animals and trees at Michaels, or you can check out these woodland animals, or check out this set of mini polar animals here. All I did was use a pair of long craft tweezers and a dot of hot glue to stick them to the bottom.
STEAM Learning:
This activity demonstrates density (oil and water don’t mix) and chemical reactions (Alka-Seltzer produces carbon dioxide gas that moves the paint). It’s a great way to connect art with science!
2. Snow Dough
This moldable, fluffy sensory material mimics real snow and offers endless opportunities for creative play. Kids can shape it into snowballs, snowmen, or even sculpted art pieces.
Materials:
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2 cups of corn starch
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½ cup of hair conditioner (white and unscented is best)
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Glitter (optional)
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Essential oils (optional for scent)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix corn starch and conditioner until it forms a soft, crumbly dough. Adjust the ratio if needed for your desired texture.
Add glitter for sparkle or a few drops of essential oil for a calming aroma.
Let kids use their hands to mold and shape the dough into wintery creations like snowmen or cookie cutters for winter themed shapes. You can also make enough to be the snow in a winter themed sensory bin and add cute little trees, glass vase beads and winter themed animals.
STEAM Learning:
This project introduces states of matter, showing how a solid (baking soda) and liquid (conditioner) combine to form a new texture.
Why These Projects Are Great for Kids
These winter-themed activities are not just fun and creative—they’re also excellent opportunities for hands-on learning. Through sensory play and STEAM concepts, kids can:
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Understand scientific principles like density, states of matter, and chemical reactions.
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Develop fine motor skills through squeezing, shaping, building, crafting and open ended play
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Build their creativity by personalizing each project.
Whether you’re looking for a snowy day activity or an engaging classroom lesson with lots of sensory and science fun, these projects are sure to bring smiles and spark curiosity. Gather your supplies and let the winter creativity begin!
