Snowflakes!

     This lesson will takes a couple of days or up to a week, depending on how much time you have to devote to it.  You will need the book, Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.  I would suggest reading it to the class as an introduction.  I have students working independently on this, but it can be modified for groups, if desired.  It is primarily designed as a fun lesson to do in the winter months, but if you can find a way to align it with your curriculum, even better!

     Make sure you have plenty of black paper (place in a freeezer beforehand so that it does not melt the snowflakes) and magnifying glasses so that your students can examine a snowflake up close.  A microscope and slides are even better, but they are not necessary.  Students will also need a ruler to measure their snowflake.

     Also, because this lesson requires students to go outside in the winter, please make sure that they wear the appropriate clothing while outside (coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots).