Outpost 1: Experiments and Success

Experiment #1 (Saturday, February 2, 2013)

During an outing in the snow, Frank, Anna and I observed snow "disappearing" (as little Frank called it) into water. This led us inside to do an experiment which I was familiar with...

Have you ever combined the ingredients "cornstarch" and "water"?  It leads to a fun (and VERY messy) experiment. If you have never mixed these elements together, I suggest you do so after laying down newspaper.☺

1.) First you pour a little bit of cornstarch in your hands. (You might need someone else to pour it for you)

2.) Then, you (or another person) adds a drop (or droplets) of water in your hands.

-You want to keep repeating steps 1 OR 2 until you get a semi-solid substance.

3.) Now watch the material in your hand "melt"... Apply pressure and see what happens!

4.) Repeat the third step as much as you would like.

-You may also try other experiments with the substance  that you have made... suggestion below:

One suggested throwing it at a hard surface and watching it shatter into a "billion" pieces. Anna was very enthusiastic about this idea! (It sounded like a very dramatic thought!) It was "fascinating" to watch it fly through the air with great skill and break at immediate contact with the cement paving (driveway). There was a burst of excitement within Anna and Frank! ☺

I hope you enjoy doing this experiment! Note: It can be VERY messy, but it is fun for the whole family!

Experiment #2 (Sunday, February 3, 2013)

Another experiment from the "scientists" arose again today. As the family was gathered and conversing around the table for brunch, the matter of "Snow Art" was discussed. (It branched off from the subject of "Google-maps" somehow.) 

After brunch and after the matter of "Snow Art" was thoroughly reasoned, a group started doing tests including the following items: paint, water, calk, and spray bottles. Would it work? Would these so called "scientists" really be able to make "snow spray" (or snow paint)?

The answer came in with a YES.  They were successful after very many trials and struggles. The lizard's (Lulu's) spray bottle was taken into suggestion for the use of containing the snow paint, but then declined after realization that it would be ruined and stained with paint. This problem was solved with the conclusion of a chemical-cleaning-spray container. The "scientists" combined two cleaning fluids together, sparing the empty container for their own ingredients. They deposited paint and water into it, sealed it shut, and shook vigorously. Their task was finally completed! They suited up and went outside in the snow, enjoying their newfangled "Snow Art Spray". ☺

Smiley face with green snow spray paint

Thanks to Daniel for making a cardboard stencil!

Add some color to the black and white winter with homemade "Snow Paint"...

Please contact me is you have any questions about making your own "Snow Spray"! ☺