Ice Crystals

What is This?We've been learning about weather and have been studying snow crystals.

In this activity, you will be extending your knowledge about ice crystals as well as experimenting with them yourself

InstructionsYour job is to first click on the links to learn more about the different types of ice crystals.http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/class/class.htm http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/snow.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice

In your science journal, write 3-5 characteristics about each kind of crystal

InstructionsNow it is time for you see the ice crystals for yourself! If there is snow on the ground, go outside with the black piece of paper I gave you (if you lost it, take a black shirt), and the magnifying glass. Sprinkle a little snow on the paper and examine it with the magnifying glass. Make careful observations in your science journal.

If there is no snow on the ground, get an ice cube out of the freezer and chip some crystals off onto black paper or a black shirt, and examine with the magnifying glass (you’ll have to work fast if you are inside!) Make careful observations in your science journal.

InstructionsYour final part of this project is to make a PowerPoint presentation of what you learned. You should include labeled photographs of at least 4 types of snow crystals, several of your science journal observations, and some pictures of you conducting your experiment.

Sample of PowerPoint Project

Ice Crystals

BY: Ms. Crumley December 21,

2012

Types of Ice CrystalsThis is a Stellar Dendrite

crystalThis is a Fernlike Stellar

Dendrite crystal

Types of Ice CrystalsThis is a 12-sided

snowflake This is a rimed crystal

My ObservationsOne crystal had six arms, and looked kind of

like a star. It was symmetrical. I think it may be a stellar plate

One crystal had 6 arms, but they were thin and had little arms growing of them. It was pretty big, looks like the snowflakes in a lot of pictures. I think it was a stellar dendrite

(You will need to tell me a few more observations than just two )

My ExperimentSome crystals on my

coat Crystals on my deck