Snowflake: Not what you may think it is.
“Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind.” Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley
Most snowflakes have six points or sides. They form when microscopic drops of water condensate on specks of dust, dirt, bacteria, or pollen. Depending on where they originate in the earth’s atmosphere and how fast they fall, snowflakes freeze to form varied, magnificent crystalline hexagonal shapes. Just like people, no two snowflakes are alike! They are distinct and fleeting wonders of nature. If it’s snowing, go out and observe some today! Here are two ways to do just that.
FELT SNOWFLAKE CATCHERS
Catching snowflakes is so much fun on a snowy day! Make this easy craft and store your snowflakes in the freezer for future observations.
Image Credit: Aimee Gangai
You will need:
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- a square or circular piece of cardboard (about 6” or more- you can use an empty cereal box)
- square or circular piece of dark felt (same size as your cardboard)
- popsicle stick or other flat stick
- glue/glue stick
- hand lens (optional)
- camera (optional)
Glue the felt onto your cardboard. Glue the popsicle stick onto the opposite side to use as a handle. Let dry and put in the freezer until it snows. Go outside on a snowy day and use your catcher to catch snowflakes! Observe them closely or with a hand lens. Do you see different shapes? What shapes do you see? Take pictures of your snowflakes! Place your “snowflake catcher” with snowflakes on it in the freezer to observe on another day. How long do your snowflakes last?
Image Credit: Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley
PAPER SNOWFLAKE CATCHERS
If you don’t have the materials above, try this easy way to capture snowflakes!
You Will Need:
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- dark construction paper (black or navy work best)
- a metal tray (like a cookie sheet) big enough to hold your construction paper
- tape
- hand lens (optional)
- camera (optional)
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Tape a piece of construction paper to the metal tray. Place this in a freezer (if you have room), or in a safe, covered spot outside prior to snowfall. You want the paper and tray as cold as possible to keep the snowflakes from melting. When it starts to snow, grab your paper snowflake catcher and head outside. Hold the tray up to catch snowflakes and observe them closely with your eyes or hand lens. What do you see? Are the snowflakes all the same or are they different shapes? If you can, photograph your snowflakes. Try this during different snowstorms and compare what you observe!
