Students will learn about Wilson Bentley, the "Snowflake Man," who was the first person to photograph snowflakes. The librarian will read the Caldecott winner "Snowflake Bentley" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and students will then complete the in-class activity of creating their own unique paper snowflakes.

NOTE: See attached lesson plan in supporting files.

Instructional Goal:

•  Students will learn about snowflakes through a related book and in-class activity.
  

Learning Objectives:

•  3rd graders will learn about Wilson Bentley through a reading of the book "Snowflake Bentley."
•  Students will use what they have learned from the book and a visual demonstration by the librarian to create their own unique snowflakes using paper and scissors.
  

Motivational Goals: 

•  Students will gain an interest in the science behind snowflakes.
  
•  Students will demonstrate an increased level of confidence in their ability to construct unique artistic creations.

Book: Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

"How to Make a Paper Snowflake" handout

White paper (computer paper is fine)

Safety scissors 

Day 1: The librarian will read the Caldecott book "Snowflake Bentley" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and discuss how Wilson Bentley was the first person to photograph snowflakes.

 

Day 2: After a brief "refresher" of the book, the class will complete an in-class activity of constructing their own unique snowflakes using white paper and scissors.  The librarian will briefly introduce how this is done, and a "How to Make Paper Snowflakes" handout will be placed on each table for reference. 

Students will create their own snowflakes using white paper and scissors, which will then be hung around the classroom for other students to see.

Librarian with elementary science, history, or art teacher.