Winter Phenomenon
These colorful curtains of light are caused when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere near the poles.
What is the aurora (northern lights)?
This drink is made by heating pressed apples and spices, and the warmth increases molecular motion, helping spread the aroma through the air.
What is Apple Cider?
You can glide smoothly during this activity because pressure and friction slightly melt the ice, creating a thin layer of water.
What is skating?
This Jewish holiday lasts eight nights and is celebrated with a menorah and candles.
What is Hanukkah?
July 4th
What is Independence Day?
In the Northern Hemisphere, this happens around December 21–22 each year and marks the shortest day and longest night.
What is the winter solstice?
Traditionally made with milk, eggs, and sugar, this thick holiday drink stays smooth because fats and proteins form an emulsion.
What is eggnog?
This activity relies on gravity and low friction, allowing you to convert gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy.
What is sledding?
This African American cultural holiday celebrates family, community, and heritage from December 26 to January 1.
What is Kwanzaa?
February 14th
What is Valentine's Day?
This dangerous winter event happens when liquid precipitation falls through warm air, then freezes on contact with cold surfaces, coating roads and trees in ice.
What is freezing rain (ice storm)?
This bedtime drink is warmed and helps you sleep because the amino acid tryptophan is linked to the body’s production of sleep-related hormones.
What is milk?
In this winter sport, you spread your weight over a larger area, reducing pressure so you don’t sink deeply into the snow.
What is skiing?
This holiday marks the start of calendars which use the moon and is celebrated with lanterns, dragons, and fireworks.
What is Lunar New Year?
Fourth Thursday in November
This rare winter event occurs when strong atmospheric instability allows lightning and thunder to form during heavy snowfall instead of rain.
What is thundersnow?
This drink traces back to the Aztecs and Mayans, who used cacao beans, which contain fats that melt near body temperature; helping create a smooth, rich drink when heated.
What is hot chocolate?
This packed-snow building works because ice crystals trap air, which makes snow a good insulator and helps keep you warmer.
What is an igloo (or snow fort)?
This Hindu festival of lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
What is Diwali?
Second Sunday in May
What is Mother's Day?
This type of snowfall, often occurring near the shoreline neighborhoods of Chicago, forms when cold air passes over warmer lake water, absorbing heat and moisture before dropping intense snow downwind.
What is lake-effect snow?
This spiced tea from South Asia uses compounds in black pepper, ginger, and most importantly cardamom that stimulate temperature receptors, making it feel extra warming.
What is Chai Tea?
This winter sport’s stone path results from asymmetric friction caused by rotational motion, where angular momentum and differential drag interact with the ice surface.
What is curling?
This Japanese New Year tradition includes cleaning homes and visiting shrines to start the year fresh.
What is Oshōgatsu?
Last Monday in May
What is Memorial Day?