Ice, Snow, Wind, maybe even Blizzard Conditions! The local public and private schools will be canceling for “snow days” but not us. “Snow Days” make some awesome learning days! Below is a great resource collection for winter studies whether you have snow or not !
Why it’s good for us to get outside even when it’s cold – https://stilllearningsomethingnew.com/2014/01/15/but-its-cold-out-there/
Winter Weather Science Lessons, Safety Tips, and Activities http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-winter-storms.htm
Bring some snow inside for observation and experimentation.
A study of snow wouldn’t be complete without some research into the life and discoveries of homeschooled farmer boy turned scientist, Snowflake Bentley. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V1cxjcRXCw
Bentley Biography, Photos, and exhibits
Printable Writing Paper for Notebooking/Journaling. (The kids tend to write nicer/better when we use decorated paper. I appreciate these for not using much ink.) http://www.teacherprintables.net/free-printable-bp-holidays.html
Bible Focus – Psalm 147:15-18
15 He gives a command to the earth,
and it quickly obeys him.
16 He spreads the snow like wool.
He scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He throws down hail like rocks.
No one can stand the cold he sends.
18 Then he gives a command, and it melts.
He sends the breezes, and the waters flow.
Amazing and beautiful! Macro Photographed Snowflakes –http://www.natureknows.org/2013/11/amazing-macro-photography-of-individual.html
Fun Snowflake Resources, Activities, Recipes –
Winter Weather Themed Math – http://www.yummymath.com/?s=winter
Snowmen – Netflix has this award winning film. Our local library has it, too. We loved it, (some of the themes were on the mature side, but my younger boys did just fine with it) Here’s a preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUq8VS6aa9U
Snow Week learning can still happen without actual snow!
“Grow Your Own Crystal Snowflake” Kits. – I used purple pipe cleaner sticks thinking the color would be pretty coming through the crystals. We thought the borax crystals were fun to watch grow and turned out quite interesting!
This is the recipe and instructions we used for the kits. http://creativecynchronicity.com/2011/12/crystallized-snowflakes/Add Crystal Comparison Experiments by making Epson Salt and Sugar Solutions. Of course you can make icicles instead of snowflakes. They fit better in smaller jars.
Snow Dough – 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup corn starch, 1 1/2 cups water. Combine all ingredients in sauce pan. Cook over medium high. Stir continuously until it’s the consistency of mashed potatoes. Move dough to bowl and cover w/a towel until cool. Knead well. Store in airtight container.
Sensory Cloud Dough – Baking Soda and White Hair Conditioner also Flour with Baby Oil works well – Just mix until the texture feel right to you
Put tortilla shells goes on the grocery list! These dessert snowflakes are fun to make and really yummy!
Cut round flour tortilla shells into snowflakes, lightly fry in oil then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Homemade Crockpot Hot Cocoa is a delicious warm up to any snow day!
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
cup-s whole milk
2 ups heay whipping cream
2 teaspoons anilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients in a 4-quart crockpot. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours stirring occasionally. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Stirring with a peppermint stick is tasty, too!
Stay warm and enjoy learning with snow!
betty jo