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Why is snow white?
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Why is snow white?

Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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Featured Reviews

“Students were able to reconstruct misconceptions to answer this questions by the end. Meaningful and fun!”
· Elizabeth · Teacher
“Students figuring out ways to make the transparent object, wax paper, to become "white". The snow outside, as we did this activity, made even more meaningful.”
· · Teacher
“I'm not a very creative/artsy person, so I absolutely love the meaningful learning opportunities that accompany the easy-to-prep and easy-to-follow video directions. Thank you!”
· Jeremy · Teacher
“The students were so engaged and curious about learning why snow is white. They were intrigued the entire time!! They also really liked how their snowflakes turned out!”
· Yolanda · Teacher
“The students love getting to guess why snow was white, and while the snowflakes were very challenging to make they really enjoyed making them and looking at them afterwards. Just a tip, the wax paper needs to be cut really really really small to have the best looking snowflake. ”
· Haley · Teacher
“The stacked look of the snowflakes-clear wax paper "snow crystals" piled on each other to look white, like snow. Kids really learned a lot and enjoyed the science/art project.”
· Shelley · Teacher
“I appreciated the cooperative learning/teamwork aspect. The activity effectively modeled the concept and the students were left with a clear understanding why snow looks white. They also enjoyed craft.”
· Deb · Teacher
“I enjoyed how simply the information was presented in the video, while still giving enough details to fully understand just why snow appears white. This was a great discovery. We had lots of fun making snowflakes and are excited to see them once they are dry! Thank you for another great lesson.”
· Nicole · Homeschooler
“The students really did a good job discussing ways to make the "snow" wax paper look white. The examples of piles of glass helped. The pictures of snow when it was other colors also led to some good discussion. :)”
· Heather · Teacher
“The kids were incredibly focused throughout the entire lesson and are extremely excited to see the snowflake results. ”
· Laura · Teacher
“Kids were amazed by the fact that snow is actually clear. They enjoyed making snow flakes.”
· Elizabeth · Teacher
“My favorite part is how there are so many visuals, especially with the hands on activities. My students really benefit from having that extra support and it makes things go smoother for me while teaching!”
· Jenna · Teacher
“Having the kids discover how to make the wax paper white.”
· Sally · Teacher
“Students were amazed by looking at the snowflake under the microscope. The activity was easy to follow and all students could make their own snowflake to take home!”
· Jane · Teacher
“Kids were 100% engaged and were able to communicate the main idea/concept of the lesson. Plus, they had a ton of fun!”
· Dana · Teacher
“Excellent activity for any age!”
· Susan · Teacher
“Making the snow flakes. The students got a thorough understanding of why snow is white.”
· Joanne · Teacher
“The students enjoyed the art connection. They really enjoyed making their snowflakes.”
· Joy · Teacher
“such a great resource for last week of school. ”
· Xochitl · Teacher
“Great lesson for the week before winter break ”
· Kristine · Teacher
“WOW! The explanation and visuals made this lesson kid friendly. I like that geometry was mentioned. ”
· Natalie · Teacher
“I heard a lot of "ooos" and "ahhs" :) Thank you for helping children learn more about the world around them! :) ”
· Julie · Teacher
“Students were highly engaged and can't wait to pull their snowflakes off the waxed paper tomorrow!”
· Linda · Teacher
“It was fun combining science with art. The class LOVED making their snowflakes.”
· Ruth · Teacher
“hands on investigative time”
· Ana · Teacher
“Loved the entire thing. It snowed here today and the kids being slightly crazed, provided for an educational way to deal with the snow. Thanks!”
· Graceann · Teacher
“the video tutorial was perfect. The kids love mystery doug and this activity was the perfect connection to the questions of the week. (Especially because it was snowing outside!)”
· Leanne · Teacher
“The discussion by the kids why snow is white. They were all so excited!”
· Amy · Teacher
“Students' excitement......especially with snowflakes actually falling outside our classroom window!”
· Carrie · Teacher
“Great! Haven't peeled the snowflakes off the wax pare yet. Some kids cut too small of pieces and not sure they will hold. But they are first graders and cutting is hard for some. But your step by step video was great!”
· Jenn · Teacher
“When finding & sorting a variety of items & materials in the classroom, using the terms see through, kind of see through and cannot see through made it easier for my students to understand the concepts.”
· Linda · Teacher
“You thought of everything - right down to a way to put their name on their work. Thank you!”
· Janelle · Teacher
“The activity was great. Can't wait until tomorrow to check out our finished snowflakes. The questions really got the students thinking!”
· Portia · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Lesson details

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Light, Materials, & Color

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this mini-lesson, students see how the shape of snowflakes causes them to look like the color of light that is shining on them. In the activity, Wax Paper Snowflake, students create a decorative snowflake and investigate how to make something transparent look white.
No activity prep.

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Exploration

10 mins

Hands-On Activity

30 mins

Lesson details

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Light, Materials, & Color

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Why is snow white?

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