Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the concept of snow and how it relates to chemistry.

Materials and Prep

You will need a clear plastic cup, snow, food coloring (optional), and a magnifying glass. Make sure to find a spot with fresh snow for the activity.

Activities

1. Explore the snow: Take the clear plastic cup and collect some snow. Observe the snow closely using the magnifying glass. Discuss the different shapes and sizes of the snowflakes.

2. Experiment with color: If you have food coloring, add a drop to the snow and observe how it changes the color. Discuss how the snow absorbs the color like a sponge.

3. Melting snow: Bring some snow indoors and watch it melt. Discuss how the snow turns into water when it gets warmer.

Preschool Grade Talking Points

• Snow is made up of tiny ice crystals that form in the clouds. They are all different and look like pretty shapes.
• When we add color to the snow, it drinks up the color and changes its appearance, just like when we mix colors in our painting.
• When snow gets warm, it becomes water. It's like magic! It's still the same snow, but now it's water that we can use to drink or water plants.