STEM Program Plan
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. This program is designed to stand alone, as well as developed as a STEM Winter Recess program that could take place over a few days using the concept of STEM learning centers. 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: Each program is designed to run about 1 hour. If designed around learning centers, the program will run two hours over a two day period.
Target Audience:Grades 2 - 6
Attendance Projected:10 for small group, 30 for large group
Supplies & Resources Needed: (General)
● Supplies:
○ Digital Overhead projector
○ Laptop
● Resources:
● Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
● The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art & Science of Snowflakes by Kenneth Libbrecht
● The Snowflake: Winter’s Secret Beauty by Kenneth Libbrecht
● Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley and W.J. Humphreys
● The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
Cost (approximate budget for Small group project, large group project, passive group project and ice breaker activity): $375.00
Co-sponsor(s) (list organizations): Inserra ShopRite, Walmart, staples, home Depot and/or Target (Requesting all small donations)
Accompanying Activities (choose all that apply):
______Exhibits _✅__Displays ✅ Handouts
✅ Bibliographies (book lists, video lists, etc.) Suggested Reading List
__✅___Other: Powerpoints
Prep Work Needed:
● Print out geometric template on white cardstock
● Set up overhead projector to watch powerpoint slides
● If program will be designed as STEM learning Centers- Centers will need to be set up
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
○ 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.
Small Group Activity:
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.
● Supplies:
○ Worksheet
○ Geometric Template
○ Magnifying Glasses
○ Scissors
○ Glue Sticks
○ White Cardstock
○ Construction Paper
● Instructions:
○ 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 (10 minutes)
○ 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.
● 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.
Large Group Activity:
My Snowflake Creation!
● Description: After children listen to the book, The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonderland by Mark Cassino, children will listen and watch the powerpoint, Snowflakes: A Winter Wonderland. Afterwards, the children will browse through the information books looking at photos of real snowflakes. Children will then break up into tables of 4 to make crystal snowflakes with the aid of a volunteer. Children will cut out shapes.
● Supplies (To make Snowflake Crystal)
○ Borax
○ Boiling Water
○ Scissor
○ Jar
○ White Pipe Cleaner
○ String
○ 1” Wooden Dowel
○ Tablespoon
○ Ruler
○ Blue Food Coloring
● Instructions:
○ Children will listen to the book, The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonderland by Mark Cassino.
○ Children will listen and have a discussion about how snowflakes form using a powerpoint presentation: (Please put in presenter mode to view) https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sQeQZcnUMerg2BC7HO-vsMmkz7LTGNq2J7hmOeLXDlo/edit?usp=sharing (6 minutes)
○ Children will make a crystalized snowflake.
Crystal Snowflake
Cut pipe cleaner into three even pieces. (Approximately 3.5” wide)
Twist the sections together and create a 6 point star.
Trim your star to fit your jar.
Cut your string about 10”.
Tie your string to the star.
Make sure your string does not touch the bottom of the jar.
Tie the string to the dowel.
Fill the jar with boiling water.
Add 3 tablespoons of the borax per cup of water and stir well.
Add drops of food coloring to obtain the desired shade of blue.
Put your star in the jar.
Take home and let it sit overnight.
Passive Activity:
● Description: Children can design and print out a snowflake using an iPad and/or computer. When the child likes their design, they can print it out or email it to a family member. The librarian can also put it on a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter.
● Supplies:
○ iPads with the app Cut the Snowflake!
○ Computers using the website, Rectangle World/Snowflake
○ Printer
○ Copy paper
● Instructions: Children will take turns creating a snowflake using technology. It only takes about five minutes to create a virtual snowflake. Children will have the option to print, or email it to a family member. The librarian could place the snowflakes on Facebook or twitter.
Extension Activity or Additional Learning Center:
Program Evaluation Method:Observation, interviews and surveys.
Resources for Librarians:
Crystal Snowflakes. (2018). Jack & Jill, 80(1), 16-17.
Guide to Snowflakes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.snowcrystals.com/guide/guide.html
Snowflake Watching. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/watching/watching.htm
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