Elsa the Snow Queen is back!                                                                                               

Science News for Kids

Thanksgiving weekend I went to the movies with my daughter, son, and my son's girlfriend.  We saw "Frozen 2."  I do not believe it is destined to be the next holiday classic.  However, it was entertaining.

So when I came upon an article about whether Queen Elsa's ability to create snow and ice could actually happen, I was intrigued.  I thought the article was quite timely given the release of the movie and would appeal to elementary students, since they adore the snow queen.

The article explores whether or not snow can be made artificially.  Snow can be recreated in a lab.  Scientists use compressed air, bubble wrap, and dry ice to replicate snow.  Many ski areas create their own snow when Mother Nature does not provide.

So, the fact that Elsa is able to create snow and ice is based in reality.  However, the creation of her ice castle is a bit more problematic.  The article states that the castle could not have been created in the mere 3 minutes it takes Elsa in the film.  There is a hotel made out of ice in Sweden. However, I am certain it took days to construct.   I would like to visit it someday, even though I loathe snow and ice.  They are beautiful to look at, but living with them-- and within them-- is something completely different.

 I would much rather live near the sea.  Perhaps I should have found an article exploring the possiblities of living underwater like Ariel, the Little Mermaid?  Oh well, as long as Elsa does not show up in the Hudson Valley anytime soon--and the fake snow is contained to the ski areas-- I believe all will be well!