SNOW DAY DIG

 

 

What you'll need:

Bowl

Container - I like a good sized tray that is easy for a child to reach inside but has high enough sides to help contain messes. 

Cornstarch

Baking Soda

Water

Small spoon - This will be our snow shovel

Excavation items - I love little cold weather animals, but you can put anything you like!

 

Directions:

1. Simply add equal parts cornstarch and baking soda in your bowl. Mix until the two are combined with your fingers. (It's fun and feels cool!)

2. Slowly add a small amount of water. You want to add just enough water so that your mixture will become easy to form into little balls. 

3. Now loosen and break up your mixture until it looks like snow. 

4. Hide your snow animals or other items under your fake snow.

5. Give your little one the snow shovel (plastic spoon) and allow them to discover the items.

6. Allow them to enjoy the fake snow and animals!

 

Snow Fun: Exploring the Impact of Snow on Geology

 

1. Snow is a type of precipitation that forms when water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals before falling to the ground.

2. Snow plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's landscapes through a process called glaciation. Large amounts of snow can accumulate over time and transform into glaciers, which slowly carve out valleys and create distinctive features like cirques and U-shaped valleys.

3. Snow cover acts as a protective insulating layer for the ground, shielding it from extreme temperatures and reducing the impact of erosion. It helps to regulate soil moisture and supports the growth of vegetation.

4. The weight of snow can cause the ground to compress, leading to a phenomenon known as snow compaction. This compaction can create distinct layers in the snowpack, which can be observed when snow is compacted over time.

5. Snowmelt is an essential water source for rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. As snow melts, the water gradually seeps into the ground, replenishing groundwater reserves and contributing to the water cycle.

6. Snow also has a significant influence on mountainous regions. The accumulation and melting of snow contribute to the formation of mountain streams and provide a source of water for downstream ecosystems and human communities.

7. The unique properties of snow, such as its insulating capabilities and ability to reflect sunlight, influence local climate patterns. Snow cover can impact temperature variations, affect the duration of seasons, and even contribute to the formation of microclimates.

8. Snowflakes are intricate ice crystals that form in a variety of beautiful shapes and patterns. Each snowflake is unique and can have symmetrical, hexagonal, or branching structures.

9. Snow provides a habitat for various animals during the winter months. Animals such as snowshoe hares, ptarmigans, and Arctic foxes have adaptations that help them survive in snowy environments.

10. Snow offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities and play, including building snowmen, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and making snow angels. It's a fun and exciting way to engage with nature during the winter season.

Remember, snow is not only a winter wonderland but also an important natural phenomenon that impacts our planet's geology and ecosystems in fascinating ways. So, embrace the snow and explore its magical effects on the world around us!

 

Enjoy sensory play activities and excavations? Several of our Excavating Adventures excavations use kinetic sand. You can explore these kits and more by clicking the link below!

 

 

If you love excavating as much as we do, be sure to check out our Excavating Adventures monthly subscription by clicking the link below and get an awesome new excavation delivered each month loaded with rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, and more!

 

1. What is the process by which snow transforms into glaciers and carves out valleys? a) Snow compaction b) Snowmelt c) Glaciation d) Snow cover

   Correct answer: c) Glaciation

2. What is the function of snow in protecting the ground from extreme temperatures and erosion? a) Snow compaction b) Snowmelt c) Snow cover d) Snowflakes

   Correct answer: c) Snow cover

3. How does snow contribute to the water cycle? a) By melting into groundwater b) By forming glaciers c) By creating microclimates d) By shaping mountainous regions

   Correct answer: a) By melting into groundwater