Students see a powder absorb water to make something that looks like snow. This is a "magic trick" and is meant to engage students. It works best with lots of enthusiasm! Students see a powder absorb water to make something that looks like snow. This powder is a synthetic polymer with super water-absorbing properties. In fact, the volume of the powder can increase one hundred times because of this absorption. The powder is another form of sodium polyacrylate and is a close relative of slush powder, which is used in disposable diapers. The powder, made of sodium polyacrylate, is a polymer, Polymers are large molecules made of repeating units. Slush powder gets its name from its ability to store water as a slushy matrix, and is used in diapers and "Instant Snow". Sodium polyacrylate is a non-toxic chemical, also known commercially as SapGel or Waterlock.

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