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How to Make a Dry Ice Crystal Ball

by on Oct 15, 2009

Part science experiment, part magic this dry ice crystal ball could be the highlight of your Halloween party. The ‘ball’ itself is actually a soap film filled with water vapor and carbon dioxide. Here are the materials you’ll need to make one of your own:

  • a bucket that’s less than 12″ in diameter that has a smooth rim
  • dish soap
  • water
  • a strip of cloth, 18″ long 
  • gloves
  • safety glasses
  • a few pieces of dry ice
  • this tute from Steve Spangler Science (No relation to Egon whose last name is actually Spengler.)

Dry Ice Crystal Ball Bubble

The bubble will eventually burst, but our science guy says that’s when the ooohs and ahhhs really hit a crescendo, because when it bursts, the cloud inside spills out and falls to the floor. For added effect, Steve suggests that we place a waterproof flashlight in the bucket before we make the bubble and then turn off the lights for some serious ‘eery’.

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