NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Student Activities: Data Collection Instructions Download and print the procedures for making critical measurements of falling snow and data collection sheets below. Snowflake Background Science (PDF) Have students read this resource before they begin to collect and identify snowflakes. Basic Snowflake Identification Procedures (PDF) Methods used to collect and identify snowflakes by shape are described. Basic Snowflake Identification Field Data (PDF) Snow Accumulation Procedures (PDF) Snow Accumulation Field Data (PDF) Snowflake Shape & Size Identification Procedures (PDF) Protocols for collecting, identifying and measuring snowflakes are explained. Snowflake Shape & Size Field Data (PDF) Weather Watch Field Data Sheet (PDF)

It's snowing! When the snow starts to fall, the fun begins. Your students' analyze snowstorms as they develop using their weather data and the data from professional weather stations. They may have even been able to predict the snowstorm! They should continue to monitor the air temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction, and the cloud types. Procedures for taking basic weather data are available in the From Students component of Weather Watch. When the first few flakes appear, have students identify the shapes of the flakes and monitor the accumulation. Snowflake shapes and sizes may change during the storm. The rate of snowfall may also change. Students will determine the relationship between basic weather data and the shape and size of snowflakes.

The Snowflake Background Science resource is recommended as a reading assignment before students begin to collect and identify snowflakes. This background will help them to make the connection between the shape and size of the snowflake and the temperature and moisture in the clouds where the snowflake forms.