Guest Author - Kimberly Misra

Winter is a great time to do indoor science experiments, but getting outside regularly is the best way to prevent cabin fever. Consider taking time out from your regular science studies to learn about snow. Try a few of these ideas for your next snow day.

1. Look at snowflakes. Have you ever really looked at a snowflake? This activity works best when falling snow is light and powdery. Start with a piece of black construction paper or black felt (you could glue it to a piece of cardboard to make it sturdier). You can put the sheet in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand if you want the flakes to last longer. Have your children catch snowflakes on the paper. You’ll be amazed at the intricacy of each one. For a closer view, you can use a hand lens or field microscope. Try to draw your favorite snowflakes. Older children may like to try their hand at photographing snowflakes.

2. Bring snow inside. If it’s too cold outside, bring the snow inside. Place bowls of snow in different areas of the house (in an unheated garage, next to a heater, etc.) and record which bowl melts the fastest. Measure the volume of snow before and after it melts. Is it the same? Why or why not? Young children will enjoy just playing in the snow and making tiny snowmen.

3. Play outside. Don’t worry, it can still be educational. Take along a field guide and go for a walk. Try to identify any tracks you find. Have kids draw their own animal tracks using a stick or their hands. Photograph favorite tracks or sketch them in a nature journal. If you have time, try to build an igloo. What can you do to make it sturdier? How would it be to live in one?

4. Record the snow. Buy or make a snow gauge (a yardstick stuck in the snow works fine). Ask your children to chart each snowfall. Which days or weeks got the heaviest amounts? Put up a birdfeeder. Do the birds act any different after a large snowfall?

5. Make snow ice cream. This activity works best after a big snowstorm. Just mix clean snow with sugar and add milk to reach desired taste and consistency. Then scoop it into bowls and eat it. Drizzle some maple syrup on top if you want it sweeter. This counts as a chemistry experiment!

6. If you don’t get snow. Even if you don’t get snow where you live, you can still have fun learning about it. Read a great book about snowflakes like Snowflake Bentley or Snowflakes in Photographs. Order some fake snow, like Insta-Snow. Write or email relatives who do get snow and ask them to report any major snowfalls to you. Watch the weather channel when large storms are predicted.