Mad Science: Instant Snow

In the dark days before the Internet, I got ideas from science journals and catalogs such as Educational Innovations, which is where I first encountered Instant Snow Polymer.  Kids love Instant Snow.  Here is a lab idea.  Good Will has a listing for Mad Lab Magic Snow.  Before you succumb to temptation and bid on this listing, compare prices!  Amazon sells Mad Lab Magic Snow as party favors for roughly the same price.  Educational Innovations lists Instant Snow for about $7 for 100 grams.  The Mad Lab Magic Snow contains 10 grams in each container.  There are many listings under $5 for 100 grams; these usually ship from China and may take to arrive until it snows outside next winter.  Here are ideas from Steve Spangler for creative ways to use Instant Snow.  My favorite activity is to put a bit of snow polymer in a cup and add warm water to watch it puff.  Once the water evaporates, the snow can be reused.  Fun, right?