Wintery Ideas for a Snowflake Nature Study

Snow Jumping.

I always seem to forget how rich studying nature in the winter can be. Most of the time I much rather be curled up inside or baking. I don't particularly love to go outside in the winter time, but I certainly don't hate it and more often than not I find that when appropriately dressed for the weather I have a great time outdoors-- in the winter. Some of the activities we love are, of course, sledding and ice-skating, but I write this to remind myself there are plenty of other things that can be done on a snowy day as well.

On the next snow day, that is, the next day we have where snow is falling from the sky I thought we can do a Snow Study. The ideas I've gathered from Nature with Children of All Ages by Edith A Sisson and 50 Christmas Things to Make and Do.

First, using a piece of dark colored paper and a magnifying glass we'll hold our paper out to catch several snowflakes, then use a magnifying glass to observe them closely.

From there I thought other snow projects could follow.

This one likes to eat snow while it's still fresh.

Such as, depending on your location and how much snowfall you have, make snow cones. We've made these in the past and they're always a big hit. We'll just fill a large bowl of clean snow, then make individual servings once we're inside. To flavor them we use orange juice, or a combination of orange juice, milk and a touch of vanilla to make it taste like an Orange Julius. Delicious.

With any leftover snow, you can play a guessing game by filling a clear cup full of snow. Then everyone can use a different colored marker (dry erase) to guess what level the water will be once all the snow melts.

Or have your child try to recreate some of the natural designs of the snowflakes once inside over a cup of hot cocoa. You could do this by cutting paper snowflakes on plain or decorated paper. You can even try making these cool 3D paper snowflakes that don't look too difficult, but are stunning.

Snowflakes could also be created by gluing thick string or pipe cleaners, first in the shape of an X, then adding a third string through the middle onto a piece of round clear plastic or tissue paper. These can be decorated and hung in the winder to admire.

You could also make snow scenes on dark paper using chalk or white temper paints. Use your finger to smudge the chalk if you'd like you winter scene to look extra blustery and windy.

And most importantly don't forget to stay warm!