Merrily Made of Snow: The Wintery Figure of Frosty
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Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Emma Vanstone.
In this engaging winter science project, children can learn about the fascinating process of frost formation by creating frost on a metal can using ice, water, and salt. This experiment, inspired by A Dab of Glue Will Do, is not only educational but also fun and visually appealing.
To get started, gather a clean and empty tin can, crushed ice, water, and salt. Fill the tin can about half full with ice and add a little water and a couple of tablespoons of salt. The salt will draw heat from the surroundings, lowering the temperature and causing water vapour to condense and freeze on the can's surface as frost.
The process of salt lowering the freezing point of ice is called freezing point depression. Instead of freezing at 0°C, the saline solution can remain liquid at lower temperatures, often down to around -10°C to -20°C depending on concentration. This supercooled saline solution cools the metal can rapidly, making the moisture in the surrounding air condense and freeze on the can’s surface as frost.
As the can gets very cold, it cools the air immediately around it below the dew point and the frost point. Moisture in the air then condenses as water vapour directly onto the cold metal and freezes, forming frost or ice crystals on its surface.
This experiment offers an opportunity for children to observe the frost formation process, with an optional timer to help track the progress. The project can be decorated as desired, adding a creative touch to the scientific exploration.
Frost is the result of water vapour condensing on cold surfaces and freezing. This principle is commonly used in winter science demonstrations to create frost artificially and also explains why salt is used to de-ice roads—the salt-water solution can stay liquid at temperatures where pure water would be frozen.
For additional winter science experiments, consider ice fishing, painting on ice, and making icy decorations. An interesting experiment idea is to compare the speed of frost formation on two cans using ice cubes and crushed ice.
For those interested in Christmas-themed science investigations, a free Christmas eBook is available for download, offering a wealth of festive science experiments and activities. Enjoy exploring the wonders of winter science with these engaging and educational projects!
- Kids can learn about frost formation, a principle used in winter science demonstrations, by creating frost on a metal can through an experiment inspired by A Dab of Glue Will Do.
- Science experiments such as this one can be both educational and fun, providing kids with an opportunity to observe the frost formation process while incorporating health-and-wellness factors through fitness-and-exercise-related decorations on their projects.
- As an extension to the winter science project, children may also investigate the impact of using ice cubes versus crushed ice on the speed of frost formation on two metal cans.
- For those particularly interested in Christmas-themed science investigations, a free eBook is available, offering a variety of festive science experiments and activities to support the learning experience on health-and-wellness topics.
