Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the science behind some Christmas traditions and their connection to Earth Science.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Christmas tree, thermometer, water, ice, snow, rocks, soil, and any Christmas-related items the student wants to explore.

Prep: Familiarize yourself with the science behind Christmas traditions, such as the origin of Christmas trees, the formation of snow, and the properties of rocks and soil.

Activities

1. Christmas Tree Investigation: Measure the temperature of the Christmas tree's trunk and compare it to the room temperature. Discuss why the tree might be cooler or warmer than the room.

2. Snow and Ice Exploration: Examine snow and ice under a magnifying glass and discuss the formation of snowflakes and the properties of ice. Melt some ice and discuss the changes in state of matter.

3. Rock and Soil Analysis: Collect different rocks and soil from the backyard and discuss their properties. Explore how these materials are formed and their significance in Earth Science.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Christmas Trees: "Did you know that Christmas trees are evergreen because they have adapted to survive in cold weather? They keep their leaves all year round to continue photosynthesis even during winter."
• Snowflakes: "Each snowflake is unique, just like you! Snowflakes form when water vapor in the clouds freezes into ice crystals. The shape of snowflakes depends on the temperature and humidity."
• Ice: "Ice is the solid form of water. When it melts, it turns into liquid water. This change in state is due to the temperature rising above the freezing point of water."
• Rocks and Soil: "Rocks are made up of different minerals, and soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, and other materials. These are important in Earth Science because they give us clues about the Earth's history and processes."