Science Smarts: Makin’ some Christmas Science

By Patty Rooks on December 20, 2025.

This week, I thought we would get a little messy as we investigate some Christmas Science.

Over the years, I have been getting messier and messier with my science investigations. I really do not mind though – there is nothing better than rolling up your sleeves and getting messy – all in the name of science of course. You may want to share your results with the baker in the house as we are going to put icing to the test this week. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Large marshmallows

• Tub icing

• Tube type icing

• Gel icing

• Chocolate sticks

• Measuring spoons

• Science notebook

• Science helper

• Stopwatch

• Pen/pencil

Procedure

1. Make a hypothesis and write it down in your science notebook. I think that the snowman made with the gel icing will be the strongest because this type of icing is much more sticky. This was just an example, but I want you to think about what is going to happen in this experiment. As you see in the highlighted words, you need these in your hypothesis. It is not enough just to tell me what you think is going to happen. I want you to think about it and give me a reason.

2. In your science notebook, make a chart to put your results. You will have three types of icing you are testing.

3. Build one snowman by “gluing” three marshmallows together. I like to stack one marshmallow and placing/smearing one teaspoon (5ml) of icing on the marshmallow then stick it together with one and repeat on the third marshmallow.

4. Personally, I like to decorate my snowman and give him some arms with chocolate sticks.

5. Repeat Step No. 3 with the other two types of icing.

6. Remember it is important to do everything the same when you repeat with the other types of icing. Same type of marshmallows, same number of marshmallows, same measurements of icing. You do not want anything to interfere with the results of your experiment. You want to control all the variables. The only variable you are manipulating is the type of icing.

7. Allow the snowmen to dry overnight in a safe location.

8. Have your science helper ready with the stopwatch.

9. Test the strength of the icing by lifting the snowman from the top marshmallow.

10. Using the stopwatch, time how long it takes for the snowman to fall apart as you hold it suspended in the air?

11. Record your results in your science notebook.

12. Repeat your test on all of the snowmen you made.

What is going on?

Not only did we create a great test and experiment here, we learned about the scientific method. I introduced you to some of the key steps in working through the scientific method. These included hypothesis, control variable, manipulated variable and results.

I did an experiment like this for you because I have been visiting students at schools throughout southeastern Alberta the past few weeks as they start out on their projects for the Regional Science Fair in March. Many of them are not sure what to do. As you can see from this straightforward science experiment, science does not have to be hard or difficult or even expensive. It is about the process and investigation.

If you are thinking about doing science fair or need some help, be sure to send us a message or check out the Praxis website.

Registration for the 34th annual Operation Minerva Conference on Jan. 28, 2026 is now open! This on day conference for grade nine female students in STEM is a busy day of mentoring and workshops. If your school has not provided you with a registration package, please email Patty at praxis@praxismh.ca. Registration is limited, and deadline is Dec. 19, 2025 so please sign up early.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis is located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

34
-33