Snow Inquiry: Multi-disciplinary

If you have snow outside, or are able to travel safely to a snowy location, hands-on experiential learning provides the deepest, most immediate level of understanding.  If this is not an option, do research to learn as much as you can.

English Language Arts
1.  Make a list of as many words you can think of that relate to snow.
2.  Write descriptive phrases or sentences that could be used in a story, poem or song.
3.  Write a story, poem or song about snow.  Include the sounds of snow: is there a quiet hush because of falling, fluffy flakes? Can you hear the squeak or crunch of snow underfoot as you walk?
4.  Read some poetry about snow, or where snow is a significant feature.  After reading, think about it, talk about it, then journal about it.
5.  Read a book that includes snow as a significant part of the story.  Some examples include:

• picture books for young children, such as "The Mitten", "The Hat", "Three Snow Bears", etc. by Jan Brett and "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs
• "Ereth's Birthday" from the "Poppy" series by Avi for older, independent readers (upper elementary/middle school)

Science
1.  How many different kinds of snow are there?
2.  Avalanche scientists study snow conditions that lead to avalanches.  What are they looking for to predict avalanches?
3.  How many people die each year in avalanches?  Why does this happen?
4.  What do park rangers do to knock down possible avalanches before they happen on their own?
5.  What is "rotten" snow?
6.  When and where can you find pink snow?
7.  Do some research about snow houses called "igloos".  Who used these as traditional homes and shelters in the past?  Do people still live in igloos today?  How are they built?  What special features do they have?
8.  What is "snow blindness?"  What did traditional Inuit people use to protect their eyes from "snow blindness?"
9.  Do you have access to a snow bank or snow drift that has a south-facing side that gets hit by sunlight?  Examine this side carefully from top down, looking for layers that show the history over the winter.  Make notes about what you see?
10.  Do you have access to deep snow?  Scientists often take core samples by pushing a hollow tube deep down into the snow, then pushing the core sample out onto a flat surface (out of the sun) where they can study the layers.
11.  What conditions cause snow to squeak when you walk on it?
12.  How are glaciers formed?  Why are scientists concerned about glaciers that are melting more than ever before all around the world?
13.  Where do icebergs come from?  How big can they be?  Why do ships have to stay away from icebergs?  What is an ice shelf?  What is happening to ice shelves in Antarctica?

Art
1.  Find some art pieces that are based on the theme of snow, or that depict snow.  How did the artist convey snow?
2.  Paint, draw, sketch or create your own piece of art about snow, or that uses snow as a main element.

Music
Explore music about the theme of snow.  Listen to a piece, think about it, talk about it, then journal about it.  Some examples to explore are:
  "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" from "Frostiana: Seven Country Songs - poetry by Robert Frost, music by Randall Thompson
  "Velvet Shoes" - poetry by Elinor Wylie, music by Randall Thompson

Health
1.  What is Snow Safety?  How do people need to prepare for their own safety before hiking in snowy terrain?
2.  What is "hypothermia?"  If a person develops hypothermia, what steps need to be followed right away to make them safe?
3.  What is "frostbite?"  What steps need to be taken right away if frostbite is suspected?

Physical Education - Snow Sports
Do you have the right equipment and the right snow conditions for:

• cross-country skiing
• skating
• tobogganing
• snowshoeing
• building a snow fort
• making snowballs
• making snow people
• building a snow Inukshuk

If not, research what you would need to be able to do these activities.