Science Lessons

"How Snowflakes Form"

Concept: Crystal formation and symmetry

  • Experiment: Make paper snowflakes and compare them to real snowflake photos under a microscope (if available).
  • Activity: Create a salt crystal snowflake by soaking pipe cleaners shaped like snowflakes in a saltwater solution and letting them crystallize overnight.
  • Key Question: Why are no two snowflakes alike?
  • Science Fact: Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes around a particle in the air, creating intricate patterns.

"The Science of Ice"

Concept: States of matter and freezing points

  • Experiment: Freeze water with different additives (salt, sugar, vinegar) to observe how they change the freezing process.
  • Activity: Use magnifying glasses to examine ice up close.
  • Key Question: What makes ice slippery?
  • Science Fact: Ice forms when water molecules slow down and arrange into a crystal structure at 0°C (32°F).

"How Animals Stay Warm in Winter"

Concept: Insulation and adaptation

  • Experiment: Use shortening or butter to make a "blubber glove" and let kids dip their hands in ice water to feel how animals like seals stay warm.
  • Activity: Compare the insulating properties of cotton, wool, and synthetic materials by wrapping ice cubes.
  • Key Question: How do animals survive in the Arctic?
  • Science Fact: Blubber traps heat and insulates animals from cold water.

"Why is Winter Colder?"

Concept: Earth's tilt and seasons

  • Experiment: Use a globe and a flashlight to demonstrate how the Earth's tilt affects sunlight angles in winter.
  • Activity: Track sunrise and sunset times to observe shorter days.
  • Key Question: Why does winter happen when Earth is closest to the sun?
  • Science Fact: The tilt of Earth’s axis causes less direct sunlight in winter.

"The Magic of Frost"

Concept: Condensation and freezing

  • Experiment: Create "frost" by placing a can of soda in a freezer, then removing it and observing frost formation as moisture condenses and freezes.
  • Activity: Use black construction paper to catch frost or dew in the morning for observation.
  • Key Question: How does frost form on cold surfaces?
  • Science Fact: Frost forms when water vapor turns directly into ice crystals on a freezing surface.

"How Do Polar Bears Stay Dry?"

Concept: Water resistance and fur structure

  • Experiment: Rub oil on a feather to mimic polar bear fur, then dip it in water to observe how it repels moisture.
  • Activity: Use sponges and plastic to create different “fur” types and test water absorption.
  • Key Question: How does a polar bear’s fur keep it both warm and dry?
  • Science Fact: Polar bear fur is hollow and water-repellent, trapping air for insulation.

"The Power of Melting"

Concept: Heat transfer and states of matter

  • Experiment: Race to melt ice cubes using different methods (salt, warm water, body heat).
  • Activity: Predict which method will work fastest and record results.
  • Key Question: Why does salt make ice melt faster?
  • Science Fact: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt even at cold temperatures.

"Frozen Bubbles"

Concept: Freezing temperatures and surface tension

  • Experiment: Blow bubbles outside on a very cold day and watch them freeze.
  • Activity: Use a bubble recipe to make strong bubbles and observe how quickly they freeze in different weather conditions.
  • Key Question: Why do bubbles freeze faster in very cold air?
  • Science Fact: Bubbles freeze as the water in the soap solution turns to ice.

"Winter Weather Patterns"

Concept: Temperature, precipitation, and wind

  • Experiment: Make a DIY thermometer using rubbing alcohol and a straw in a bottle to observe temperature changes.
  • Activity: Record daily temperatures and make a winter weather chart.
  • Key Question: What makes winter storms different from summer storms?
  • Science Fact: Winter weather is driven by cold air masses and changes in atmospheric pressure.

"The Science of Hibernation"

Concept: Animal behavior and metabolism

  • Experiment: Simulate hibernation by comparing a "sleeping" model animal (wrapped in insulation) and an "active" one in a cold environment.
  • Activity: Research local animals and create a chart of which hibernate, migrate, or adapt during winter.
  • Key Question: Why do some animals hibernate while others stay active?
  • Science Fact: Hibernation conserves energy during food shortages in winter.