The program is developed for children in Kindergarten - 2nd grade. Children will have the opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and perform hands-on experiments. We incorporate books and art to make it an enjoyable and educational experience for all.
Name of Program: Snowflake Wonderland
STREAM Field(s) Represented: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Description: Winter is here and snow is on the ground. And even if there was no snow on the ground, it is cold enough to create ice crystals. It is a great time to learn about snowflakes on our winter recess.
Goal of Program: To demonstrate key ideas in science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and mathematics in a fun and entertaining way on the topic of snowflakes. The program touches upon the following NJ learning Standards:
Science: Children will be able to demonstrate an understanding that patterns in the natural world can be observed and that things may change slowly or rapidly. The use of specific scientific tools such as the magnifying glass helps children examine the various shapes of snowflakes.
Technology: All students will be able to use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaboratively and to create and communicate knowledge. The use of iPads and computers help to increase children’s understanding. The use of a digital overhead projector allows the librarian to display examples of snowflakes.
Language Arts-Reading Informational Text: By listening to the information book, children will demonstrate the understanding of the text including where, when, why, and how key events occur. The information books help children make the connection on how snowflakes are formed in the sky.
Engineering: Children will be able to develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
Art : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles that govern the creation of works of art in visual arts.
Mathematics: Children will be able to reason with shapes and their attributes. Working with snowflake images gives children experience with hexagonal formations.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Target Audience: 20
Total Budget: $20.00
1. Ice Breaker Activity:
Description: Everybody loves cookies, so why not have fun learning geometry and talking about snowflakes in a fun and interactive way.
Supplies:
White board/markers
Sugar cookies in geometric shapes
Napkins
STEM Prep:
Make cookies at home
Instructions:
With a supply of homemade sugar cookies, baked in various geometric shapes, kids will tell me the names of the different geometric shapes.
As they name the shapes, I will write them on the whiteboard.
As kids answer, they get a sugar cookie.
2. Snowflake Exploring:
Description: As children listen to the story, Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, they will learn about the life and work of Bentley. Through the aid of a powerpoint, children will learn that a snowflake begins in the shape of a hexagon. With that in mine, we will explore the wondrous designs of snowflakes, create our own snowflakes, and explore the outdoors looking at snowflakes around the library.
STEM prep:
Print out geometric template on white cardstock
Cut out shapes
Set up overhead projector to watch powerpoint slides
Supplies:
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Digital Overhead Projector
Laptop
Worksheet
Geometric Template
Magnifying Glasses. (6) $12.00
Scissors
Glue Sticks
White Cardstock
Construction Paper
Instructions:
(Credit: Fagnan, 2018)
Children will listen to the story, Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.
Children will listen and discuss the shapes of snowflakes using a PowerPoint presentation. (Please view in presenter mode)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JRGM1CvhbZcXEcot3uSpfnmxL_COnWTjzfPy-ycF4G0/edit?usp=sharing
Children will create their own snowflake using the worksheet and template found below.
They will cut out and glue geometric shapes to create their own snowflake.
Children will complete the worksheets.
Worksheet, Snowflake Geometry: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VZd6cRpt1QFF-toNo8aBd9qd9P-qvRzSERnk41tJjVg/edit?usp=sharing .
Template of geometric shapes to cut out in order to create their own snowflake: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wLtyNsgqwWGT7ahndMBGhqAZqOmNQpUc599wFZqz8hw/edit?usp=sharing
If time and weather permit, children will use a magnifying glass and go outside to look at snowflakes.
All worksheets were made by Deborah Fagnan using Google Slides and Google Docs. (2018).
Conclusion:
Children will share their creations explaining to the group how many and which shapes they used to make their snowflakes.
References:
Fagnan, D. (2018). Snowflake Craft. [Digital Image].
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