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Winter Wonders

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Lesson Plan

Snowflake Science Fun

Students will be able to identify key characteristics of snow and ice, understand how snowflakes form, and explore various winter phenomena through hands-on activities.

Understanding winter science helps students observe and appreciate the natural world around them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking about seasonal changes and weather patterns.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Hands-on activities, visual aids, and engaging discussions.

Materials

White construction paper, Dark construction paper, Magnifying glasses, Scissors, Cotton swabs, Glue, Magic of the Cold Season Slide Deck, Build a Snow Crystal Activity, and My Winter World Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Winter Brainstorm

5 minutes

Begin by asking students: "What comes to mind when you think of winter?" Record their ideas on the board. (e.g., snow, ice, cold, holidays, hot cocoa). Transition by saying, "Today, we're going to become winter scientists and explore some of these amazing things!"

Step 2

Magic of the Cold Season Presentation

15 minutes

Present the Magic of the Cold Season Slide Deck.
- Slide 1: Title Slide - Introduce the lesson.
- Slide 2: What is Snow? - Explain that snow is frozen water from clouds.
- Slide 3: How Do Snowflakes Form? - Discuss water vapor freezing around dust particles and forming crystals.
- Slide 4: Unique Snowflakes - Emphasize that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, showing various shapes.
- Slide 5: What is Ice? - Explain ice as frozen water.
- Slide 6: Ice Fun! - Show examples of ice in nature (icicles, frozen ponds) and human activities (skating).
- Slide 7: Winter Animals - Briefly touch on how animals adapt to winter.
- Slide 8: Winter Activities - Show fun things to do in winter. Encourage questions throughout the presentation.

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Slide Deck

Winter Wonders: Snowflake Science Fun!

Let's explore the amazing world of winter!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of winter science. Ask them what they already know or wonder about winter.

What is Snow?

Snow is tiny pieces of ice that fall from the sky.
It's frozen water!
It comes from clouds when it's super cold.

Explain that snow is frozen water that falls from clouds. Emphasize that it's just like rain, but much colder!

How Do Snowflakes Form?

Water vapor (tiny water bits) in clouds gets very, very cold.
It freezes around tiny dust!
As it falls, it grows into a beautiful crystal.

Describe how water vapor in clouds freezes around tiny dust particles. As it falls, it collects more water and freezes into a crystal shape with six arms. Keep it simple and engaging.

No Two Snowflakes Alike!

Every single snowflake has its own special shape.
They all have six sides or arms.
Can you find two that look exactly the same? Probably not!

Highlight that every snowflake is unique, like a fingerprint. Show a few different snowflake shapes if possible (or describe them).

What is Ice?

Ice is also frozen water!
It's solid and often clear.
We see it in puddles, on lakes, and in our drinks!

Explain that ice is also frozen water, but it's usually clear and hard. Give examples of where we see ice.

Winter Fun!

Build a snowman!
Go ice skating!
Make snow angels!
Drink hot cocoa!
What do YOU like to do in winter?

Discuss fun things we can do with snow and ice, linking it to real-world experiences. Ask students about their favorite winter activities.

Animals in Winter

Some animals grow thicker fur to stay warm.
Others sleep all winter (hibernate)!
Can you think of any animals that love the snow?

Briefly mention how some animals adapt to the cold, like growing thicker fur or hibernating. This connects to broader science concepts.

Let's Be Winter Scientists!

Today we learned about amazing snow and ice.
Now, let's get ready for some fun winter activities!
Time to create and explore!

Recap the main ideas and get students ready for a hands-on activity. Encourage them to be 'winter scientists'!

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Activity

Build a Snow Crystal

Objective: Create a unique snowflake and observe its symmetrical properties.

Materials:

  • White construction paper (one square per student)
  • Scissors
  • Cotton swabs
  • Glue (optional, for adding cotton swabs)
  • Dark construction paper (one sheet per student, for mounting)

Instructions:

  1. Fold Your Paper: Take your square piece of white paper. Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle.

  2. Fold Again: Fold the triangle in half two more times. You should have a smaller, long triangle now.

  3. Cut Your Design: Use your scissors to carefully cut small shapes (triangles, curves, squares) into the folded edges of your paper. Be careful not to cut all the way across, or your snowflake will fall apart! Imagine the patterns you saw on the Magic of the Cold Season Slide Deck.

  4. Unfold! Slowly and carefully unfold your paper. What amazing snowflake shape did you create? No two are exactly alike!

  5. Decorate (Optional): If you like, use cotton swabs and a tiny bit of glue to add fluffy snow to your snowflake.

  6. Mount Your Snowflake: Glue your beautiful snow crystal onto the dark construction paper so it really stands out!

Think About It:

  • How many points does your snowflake have?

  • Do both sides of your snowflake look the same? (This is called symmetry!)

  • Why do you think real snowflakes are so special?

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Worksheet

My Winter World

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Part 1: Winter Words!

Draw a picture for each winter word we talked about today!

  1. Snowflake:











  2. Ice:











Part 2: Winter Science Questions!

Answer the questions about snow and ice.

  1. What is snow made of?



  2. How many sides do most snowflakes have?



  3. Name one fun thing you can do in the winter with snow or ice!



Part 3: My Favorite Winter Wonder!

Draw or write about your favorite part of winter. Why is it your favorite?

















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Winter Wonders • Lenny Learning