Dec. 6, 2007 - Fun with Snow
We had our first snowfall of the year yesterday-and we got a good couple of inches. It worked out perfectly because I had just picked up a couple of books from the library- "Winter Day Play" by Nancy F. Castaldo and a book of winter poems by Jane Yolen. (we love her!!) So here are a few ideas/activities for snowy days:
***Snow Painting-Fill various spray/squirt bottles with water and put a few drops of food coloring into each one-give them to your kids and let them go outside and "paint" the snow. (tip-the blue food coloring didn't show up very well on the snow)
Both boys LOVED doing this-Benjamin had an easier time with the squirt bottles versus the spray. :)
***The Great Thaw Experiment** Have your child fill a measuring cup with snow. (don't fill beyond the top line) Record the amount of snow on a piece of paper. Bring the measuring cup inside and empty the snow into a small pot. Heat the snow until it melts. Pour the water from the pot back into the measuring cup-Write down your results. (I had Caleb illustrate the experiement as well) This experiment will show how much water can be found in melting snow.
Facts/Questions/Expanded activity ideas:
Snow from the mountains melts druing the spring thaw to fill rivers, lakes and streams. We use the water for many things-ask your child to think of five.
Try the experiment again after another snowfall. You might find that you have more or less water after you melt your snow than the last time-the amount of moisture in the snow varies depending on the weather conditions during the snowfall.
Generally, the rule of thumb is that for every 10 inches of snow there would be 1 inch of rain or water.
****Snow Globes***
This is a fun craft for a stay inside day- you will need cleaned, label removed baby food jars, waterproof glue, small plastic animals/trees (we used mini Christmas ornaments from the Dollar Store) Glitter, Water, 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil and craft glue.
Use the waterproof glue to attach animals/trees to the inside lid of the baby food jar. Add some glitter to the jar and fill it with water (about 2/3 full) Add vegetable oil to the water. Apply craft glue to the outside rim of the jar. (don't get glue inside the jar) Screw on the lid and let dry completely. (about an hour) Turn your snowglobe over and watch it sparkle!!!
Have a great day and enjoy your snow!!! :)
Comments
Dec. 7, 2007 - Hi!
Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi
I just found your blog while "random blogging". I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your kids enjoying the snow and I loved your mailbox story~ hilarious!
I'm having a contest on my blog with an awesome homeschooler's prize~ stop by and check it out!
Heidi
Dec. 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eworpell
Thank you Heidi-I will def. check out the giveaway!! :)
Dec. 11, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Canadagirl
Looks like you all had sooooooo much fun with your snow. [0= I love that it is easier to send the boys out in snow than rain.
[ 0; I grew up in the Pacific Northwest ( Washington St.)
Blessings in Him<><
-Mary
