K–5 Snowflake Science Mini Unit

K–5 Snowflake Science Mini Unit Lesson Plan

Unit Title

Snowflake Science: Exploring Symmetry and States of Matter

Grade Levels

Kindergarten–5th Grade (easily differentiated)

Unit Length

3–5 days (30–60 minutes per lesson)

Unit Overview

This winter-themed science mini unit uses snowflakes to help students explore symmetry, states of matter, and physical changes. Through hands-on experiments, art integration, and observation activities, students build foundational science skills while engaging their curiosity.

This unit is ideal for elementary classrooms, homeschool families, co-ops, and winter science studies.

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Essential Questions

• What is a snowflake?

• Why are snowflakes symmetrical?

• How does water change states of matter?

• Can two snowflakes ever be exactly the same?

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Key Science Concepts

• States of matter: solid, liquid, gas

• Freezing and melting

• Deposition (introductory for upper grades)

• Symmetry and patterns

• Scientific observation

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Vocabulary (Adjust by Grade Level)

• Snowflake

• Symmetry

• Pattern

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Freeze

• Melt

• Ice crystal

• Water vapor

• Deposition (Grades 3–5)

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Lesson 1: What Is a Snowflake?

Focus: Introduction to snowflakes and symmetry

Objectives

• Identify basic snowflake features

• Understand that snowflakes have repeating patterns

• Recognize symmetry visually

Activities

• Observe real snowflakes (if available) or photos under magnification

• Read a snowflake-themed nonfiction picture book

Here are two suggestions:

Snow by Uri Shulevitz is available here.

Curious About Snow by Gina Shaw is available here.

• Discuss why snowflakes look similar but not identical

Differentiation

• K–1: Identify shapes and repeating patterns

• 2–3: Count sides and locate lines of symmetry

• 4–5: Compare snowflake structures and record observations

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Lesson 2: Snowflake Symmetry Lab

Focus: Geometry and symmetry

Objectives

• Identify lines of symmetry

• Create symmetrical designs

Activities

• Fold-and-cut paper snowflakes

You might find these resources helpful:

This 1-2-3 Fold and Cut Paper Snowflake Book is available here.

This Snowflake Cut Out Paper Book is available here.

100 Cut-Out Snowflake Designs by Susan Sturgill is available here.

• Draw and label lines of symmetry

• Compare designs with peers

Extension (Grades 3–5)

• Use mirrors to test symmetry

• Introduce six-fold radial symmetry

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Lesson 3: States of Matter and Snowflakes

Focus: Solid, liquid, and gas

Objectives

• Identify the three states of matter

• Observe physical changes

Activities

• Ice cube melting observation

• Record changes over time

• Discuss what causes matter to change states

Key Discussion Questions

• What state of matter is ice?

• What happens when it warms?

• Can water change back again?

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Lesson 4: How Snowflakes Form

Focus: Weather science and physical changes

Objectives

• Understand how snowflakes form in clouds

• Learn how temperature affects matter

Activities

• Teacher-led explanation with diagrams

• Cotton-ball cloud model demonstration

• Optional crystal-growing experiment (with adult supervision)

10 Magical Crystal Growing Experiments for Kids is available here.

Upper Grade Extension

• Introduce deposition as gas → solid

• Compare freezing vs. deposition

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Lesson 5: Snowflake Science Integration Day

Focus: Cross-curricular application

Activities (Choose 2–3)

• Science Journal: Draw a snowflake

• Writing: “If I Were a Snowflake…”

• Math: Count symmetry lines or fractions of a snowflake

• Art: Snowflake watercolor resist or collage

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Assessment Options

Formative

• Observation checklists

• Science journal entries

• Class discussions

Summative (Choose One)

• Snowflake mini poster

• Oral explanation of states of matter

• Snowflake science foldable

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Materials Needed

• White paper

• Scissors

• Ice cubes - Try these large ice cube trays!

• Clear cups or containers

• Markers or crayons

• Optional: magnifying glasses, mirrors

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Family & Homeschool Extension Ideas

• Observe frost patterns outdoors

• Watch a short snowflake formation video

• Create snowflakes from household materials

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Standards Alignment (General)

• NGSS: Physical Science (Matter and Its Interactions)

• Math: Geometry and symmetry

• ELA: Informational text and writing

• Art: Pattern and design

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Teacher Notes

This mini unit is designed to be flexible. Lessons can be taught independently or as a full unit, making it ideal for winter learning, weather units, or seasonal enrichment.

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K–5 Snowflake Science Mini Unit Lesson Plan

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