Snow Melts

Phenomenon:

In wintertime it snows. You can build a snowman. Over time, the snowman melts.

Student Task:

Explain what causes a snowman to melt. Explain why it snows in wintertime.

Model

Students build models of snowflakes using shape blocks.

Investigate

Students observe how snow in a bag changes over time. Students investigate the effect of heat on snow.

Obtain Information

Students read to obtain information about how heat melts snow.

Analyze Data

Students count the number of snow days over time to look for patterns. With guidance, students use a thermometer.

Explanation:

Heat from the sun melted the snowman. My evidence is that hot water melted the snow in the test tube. Cold water did not. It snows the most in winter because it's coldest in winter.

Application (Optional STEM Project):

Students can design a structure that will keep a snowball cold (stop it from melting).

NGSS Standards:

K-PS3-1. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.

K-ESS2-1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

2-PS1-4. Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Utah Science Standards:

Kindergarten: Compare the changes in weather over time.

Grade 1: Compare and contrast the seasonal weather changes.

Grade 1: Predict, identify, and describe changes in matter when heated, cooled, or mixed with water.

Grade 2: Observe, describe and measure seasonal weather patterns and local variations.

Snow Melts

Recommended Teaching Sequence:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Formative Assessment:

Use what students have written in their science notebooks as a formative assessment.

Lesson Contributor(s):

April Mitchell, Science Specialist, Salt Lake City School District

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