Forget the paper mess, make a virtual snowflake at this terrific site.

Recently our school had a student band concert. Some of the library and computer classes were cut short.

Our first grade students had a wonderful time creating virtual snowflakes. They had a terrific time and learned a great deal about controlling a mouse, design plans, and spatial concepts.

The siteMake a Snowflake is the wonderful creation of LookandFeel.com. They have managed to take a traditional winter activity and updated it for the computer. Once you have created your snowflake, you may post it to the gallery, download it, or email it to someone.

I warn you. The site is addictive! Oh, and watch the paper's shadow as you make your cuts.

Bella Library Sciences Recommends

The Little Book Of Snowflakes, by Kenneth Libbrecht
Who says that science and literature are not compatible? This lovely, little book features up close photographs of snowflakes, detailed captions containing the science behind their beauty, and literary quotes relating to nature and snow.

The Art of the Snowflake: A Photographic Album
As much a work of art as a testament to science, this book reveals how one of the snowflakes most inspired photographers came to his intimate knowledge of his craft and its fleeting focus. Beautiful pictures illustrate Kenneth Libbrechts story of the microphotography of snow crystals, from the pioneering work of Wilson Bentley in the 1890s right up to Kens own innovations in our age of digital images. A breathtaking look at the works of art that melt in an instant, this is a book to page through and savor, season after season.