Snowflake Science!

Amber Keith

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Snowflake Science!

Students will be able to identify that all snowflakes are unique and describe one characteristic of a snowflake.

Understanding snowflakes helps students observe and appreciate patterns in nature, develop basic scientific vocabulary, and practice fine motor skills through related activities.

Audience

Elementary School Students (Life Skills, Intellectual Disabilities)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and a creative art activity.

Materials

White paper, Scissors, Optional: Glitter or small sequins, Blue or dark construction paper (for mounting snowflakes), Glue sticks, Snowflake Fun Activity, Snowflake Observation Worksheet, and Snowflake Science Slide Deck

Prep

Gather Materials & Review

15 minutes

Gather all necessary craft supplies: white paper, scissors, glue sticks, and construction paper. Optional: glitter or sequins for decoration.
- Review the Snowflake Science Slide Deck and practice the script.
- Print enough copies of the Snowflake Observation Worksheet for each student.
- Review the Snowflake Fun Activity instructions and prepare any needed examples if desired.
- Ensure a safe and clear workspace for cutting and gluing activities. The teacher should review the generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Do You Know About Snow?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they know about snow. "Who here likes snow? What do you like to do in the snow?"
- Introduce the idea of snowflakes. "Today, we're going to learn about something very special that makes up snow: snowflakes!"
- Show the first slide of the Snowflake Science Slide Deck.

Step 2

Discovering Snowflakes

10 minutes

Use the Snowflake Science Slide Deck to explain what snowflakes are and how they form in a simple, engaging way.
- Emphasize the idea that no two snowflakes are exactly alike. "Isn't it amazing? Just like each of you is special, every snowflake is special and different!"
- Show examples of different snowflake shapes from the slide deck.

Step 3

Snowflake Fun Activity

10 minutes

Distribute materials for the Snowflake Fun Activity (white paper, scissors).
- Guide students through the steps of folding and cutting to create their own paper snowflakes.
- Provide assistance and encouragement, focusing on the process rather than perfection.
- Encourage students to share their unique creations.

Step 4

Snowflake Observation & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

Hand out the Snowflake Observation Worksheet.
- Ask students to draw or describe one thing they learned about snowflakes or what their favorite part of their snowflake craft is.
- Briefly review the main idea: snowflakes are unique and beautiful.
- Conclude by praising their creativity and participation.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Snowflake Science!

Have you ever seen a snowflake up close?

Greet students and ask them what they know about snow. This slide sets the stage for our snowflake journey!

What are Snowflakes?

Snowflakes are tiny pieces of ice that fall from the sky.
They are crystals of ice!

Explain in simple terms that snowflakes are tiny ice crystals.

Every Snowflake is Unique!

Look closely!
No two snowflakes are exactly alike.
Just like you are special, every snowflake is special!

Emphasize the unique nature of each snowflake, relating it to the students' individuality.

Snowflake Shapes

Snowflakes come in many beautiful shapes.
Some look like stars, some look like needles, and some look like plates!

Show simple illustrations of various snowflake shapes.

Where Do Snowflakes Come From?

They start very, very tiny high up in the clouds.
When it's cold enough, water turns into ice around dust!

Briefly explain that snowflakes start as tiny water droplets in clouds.

How Do They Grow?

As they fall, they bump into more tiny water bits.
This makes them grow bigger and bigger until they fall to the ground as snow!

Explain how they grow by collecting more water vapor.

Amazing Snowflakes!

Snowflakes are beautiful, unique, and a little bit magical!
Now, let's make our own unique snowflakes!

Reiterate the main learning point and prepare students for the activity.

Activity

Snowflake Fun Activity: Make Your Own Unique Snowflake!

Materials Needed:

White paper (one sheet per student)
Scissors (child-safe, rounded tip)
Optional: Glue sticks, blue or dark construction paper, glitter, small sequins

Instructions:

Fold Your Paper: Take one piece of white paper. Fold it in half, then in half again. Now fold it one more time into a triangle shape. The more folds you make, the more sides your snowflake will have!
Cut Shapes: With your paper folded, carefully cut small shapes from the edges. You can cut triangles, circles, or wavy lines. Remember, don't cut all the way across the paper!
- Teacher Tip: Demonstrate a few simple cuts. Encourage students to experiment.
Unfold Your Snowflake: Gently unfold your paper. What do you see? You've made a unique snowflake!
Share Your Snowflake: Look at your snowflake and your friend's snowflake. Are they the same? No! Every snowflake is special and different, just like we learned!
Decorate (Optional): If you like, you can glue your snowflake onto a piece of blue or dark construction paper. You can also add a little glitter or some small sequins to make it sparkle!

Reflection:

What kind of shapes did you cut to make your snowflake?
What do you like most about your snowflake?
Remember, your snowflake is special because it's uniquely yours!

Worksheet

My Snowflake Observation

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

1. My Unique Snowflake!

Draw a picture of the snowflake you made today! Make sure to show all the special cuts and shapes.

2. Tell Me About Snowflakes

What is one new thing you learned about snowflakes today?

3. My Favorite Part

What was your favorite part about making your snowflake or learning about them?