The Science of Snowflakes

Adriana Hollifield

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Science of Snowflakes

Understand snowflake formation

In this lesson, students will explore the fascinating world of snowflakes, learning about their formation and uniqueness. Through hands-on experiments and creative activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind snowflakes. This lesson is important as it encourages curiosity and scientific thinking, while also allowing students to express creativity through art.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand snowflake formation

Materials

Paper, Scissors, White crayons, Black construction paper, Magnifying glasses, Printable snowflake patterns, Discussion questions, and Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Snowflakes

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion about snowflakes and their uniqueness.
Ask students if they have ever caught a snowflake on their tongue or observed one closely.
Explain that each snowflake is unique and formed in the clouds under specific conditions.

Step 2

Snowflake Formation Experiment

20 mins

Provide each student with a black piece of construction paper and a magnifying glass.
Instruct students to go outside (if possible) and catch snowflakes on the paper.
Have them observe the snowflakes with the magnifying glass and note the different shapes and patterns.
Discuss the observations as a class.

Step 3

Create Paper Snowflakes

20 mins

Distribute paper, scissors, and printable snowflake patterns to each student.
Demonstrate how to fold and cut the paper to create a snowflake.
Allow students to create their own unique paper snowflakes.
Encourage them to decorate their snowflakes with white crayons.

Step 4

Closure and Reflection

10 mins

Gather students and have them share their paper snowflakes with the class.
Discuss what they learned about snowflakes and their formation.
Ask students to reflect on why snowflakes are a good example of nature's uniqueness.

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Discussion

Snowflake Discussion

A discussion to explore students' prior knowledge and observations about snowflakes.

What do you know about snowflakes?

Encourage students to share any experiences or facts they know about snowflakes.

Why do you think each snowflake is unique?

Guide students to think about the conditions in which snowflakes form and how they might differ.

Worksheet

Snowflake Observation Worksheet

A worksheet to record observations and reflections on snowflake shapes and patterns.

Draw a snowflake you observed and describe its shape.

Use the magnifying glass to see details.

What did you notice about the different snowflakes?

Think about the shapes and patterns you saw.