Snowflake Science

In this activity, we will explore the wintery world of snowflakes!

Learning Objectives/Opportunities

  • Build basic knowledge about snowflake structures and shapes

  • Science process skills: observation, using science tools, documenting data

  • Developmental Skills: fine motor skills

Let’s Begin!

Snowflakes are frozen water crystals. Like fingerprints, every snowflake has a unique structure and shape.

snowflake- dark background.jpg

Materials:

  • Piece of Cardboard

  • Dark-colored fabric (felt works best)

  • Glue, tape, or other adhesive

  • Magnifying glass

  • Snow flurries

Activity Instructions

  1. Cover the cardboard with the fabric.

  2. Secure the fabric using glue or tape

  3. Place your dark-colored fabric in the freezer for 1-2 hours before the activity.

  4. When it begins to flurry, take your fabric outside, and lay it on the ground to collect snowflakes.

  5. Once it has collected a dusting of snowflakes, bring it inside.

  6. Using your magnifying glass, observe the shapes you see.

  7. Draw your snowflake on a piece of paper

  8. Compare and contrast the size, shapes, and structures of the snowflakes you collect.

Examining the Experiment:

In this activity, we used science tools (magnifying glasses) to observe and record our observations of snowflakes. Science tools enable scientists to make discoveries. The magnifying glass, for example, allows us to see really small details by making snowflakes look much bigger than they actually are.

Another science tool was our fabric. This fabric was cold and dark, providing the perfect condition to capture and preserve snowflakes. You can try this activity with a white piece of fabric or a piece of fabric that is not cold. What happens then?

STEAM Extension: Paper Snowflake Geometry

Snowflakes are symmetrical. You can make your own symmetrical snowflakes by folding and cutting paper. Which shapes will you use in your paper snowflake?

STEMSpark Stumper

Can you find a snowflake with each of the 7 basic structures?

  1. Star Crystal

  2. Dendrite Star

  3. Columns

  4. Plates

  5. Capped Columns

  6. Needles

  7. Irregular Forms

This activity designed and brought to you by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Natasha Chlebuch