Day 22: First day of winter | Fun facts about the cold
While growing up, children start to recognize seasonal changes and weather patterns.
Winter is the coldest time of year. It is also when we see a lot of changes in nature. Your child's natural curiosity and sense of wonder drive them to ask you thousands of questions, such as why the sun appears larger in winter or why trees stop growing.
It could be an excellent way to kindle their interest in science by taking the time to answer these questions and coming up with more facts.
Today, on day 22 of the 25 days of learning series, let's discuss winter. For the northern half of Earth's hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on the 21st or 22nd of December, so today is also the perfect day for fun winter facts.
Fun facts about the winter season
Hot water sometimes freezes faster than cold water
Scientists have found that hot water freezes faster than cold water under specific conditions. But how? While it happens for many reasons, evaporation is the simplest explanation. Hot water condenses into vapor, reducing the volume of water and speeding up the freezing process compared to cold water.1
Bubbles freeze in winter
Does your child want soap bubbles to last longer? Show them how bubbles can freeze solid in winter if it is cold enough.
This experiment could work if the temperature outside is less than 12 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason behind this is that while the freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of soap is about 12 degrees Fahrenheit. So the bubble freezes because the water between the two layers of soap becomes solid ice.
Make a bubble solution with two tablespoons of corn syrup and dish soap in two cups of water with two teaspoons of sugar for the best results. Mix well, and use a reusable straw to blow bubbles onto a spot where snow has already fallen. It works well when there is no wind.2
Snow is not always white
Snow could be purple, orange, yellow, or white. Snow takes on colors due to the growth of algae inside it.
- Red or green snow is due to algae known as Chlamydomonas Nivalis
- Brown, orange, or red snow could be due to dust, pollutants, or sand
- If the snow is black or gray, then the reason could be oil-based contaminants or soot3
Snow can keep you warm
It always snows when the temperature is really low. How, then, can snow keep you warm? Snow is a fantastic insulator because it is 90 to 95 percent trapped air. This trapped air stays at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and acts like a warm blanket.
It explains why many animals dig deep burrows in the snow to hibernate throughout the winter. Also, some people stay in igloos made of snow and ice during winter.4
Introducing science through fun facts and small experiments at home can kindle your child's interest in the subject. It might even become a lifelong pursuit in STEM.
Head over to byjuslearning.com to learn more about our Active Learning approach to Math, Language, and Reading for children between Pre-K and Grad
Source
1. Palmer, W. P. “Eric.” The Journal of the Science Teacher Association of the Northern Territory, https://files .eric.ed.gov/ fulltext/ ED511820 .pdf Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.
2. Vaughan Public Libraries. www.vaughanpl .info/files/ vpl_at_home/ PA_Day_Snow_Day_ Frozen_Bubbles_ activity.pdf . Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.
3. Helmenstine, Anne. SCIENCE NOTES. 29 Nov. 2020, https://sciencenotes. org/yellow- snow-causes- and-risks-and- other-snow- colors/
4. Mass Audubon. www.massaudubon .org/content/ download/ 25371/ 410099/ file/Snow %20Insulation %20Activity% 20Sheet.pdf. Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.
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