Praxis: How to save those beautiful snowflakes
By Medicine Hat News on January 26, 2019.
I think that I have waited all winter for this morning. As I sit here writing this column, it is snowing so beautifully outside. It’s warm, there is not a breath of wind and it is falling gently down. As a matter of fact, I just ran to my vehicle to grab something and didn’t even need a jacket it was so nice out! When I returned inside, the most beautiful snowflakes were still on the sleeve of my shirt. Of course, they did not last very long, but I wish there was a way I could have preserved them so I could share them with others. Maybe there is a way to save snowflakes?? Let’s investigate! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials – snowy day – small paint brush – liquid super glue (the gel type will not work) – small square of glass (I used the insert out of a very small picture frame) – masking tape – freezer – scrap piece of cardboard to gather snow on – magnifying glass Procedure 1. Cover the edges of the piece of glass with masking tape so you do not cut yourself on the sharp edges. 2. Place the piece of glass, container of super glue and paintbrush in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes. 3. Gather up your chilled piece of glass, super glue, paintbrush and cardboard, and magnifying glass dress warmly, and go outside and find some snow to use. 4. Put a pile of snow onto the cardboard. 5. Place the piece of glass beside your pile of snow on the cardboard. 6. Using the magnifying glass observe the snow. Push it apart with the paintbrush. Do you see any flakes you would like to save for later? 7. Push these flakes aside and using your paintbrush place them on the piece of glass. 8. You can put more than one on there, but try to ensure they are laying quite flat. 9. Have an adult help you place one drop of superglue on the centre of each snowflake. 10. Place the piece of glass back in the freezer for at least 24 hours, check to see if the glue has dried. If it has not, please keep it in the freezer until it is dry otherwise, your snowflake will not be preserved. 11. Remove your snowflake and show all of your friends and family! Did You Know? At the centre of every snowflake is a tiny particle of dust, which attracts drops of water that freeze and form crystals. This cluster of crystals stick together and fall to the ground as beautiful snowflakes. The different kinds of snow crystals are made depending on the conditions in the air as they fall to the ground. These can include the temperature and even moisture levels in the clouds near the surface of the Earth. If you look at a snowflake through your magnifying glass, you will be able to see just how complex the crystal pattern is. Look at multiple flakes so you can observe how unique each snowflake really is! Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. 27-26
