Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes to a particle of dust, pollen, or other matter in the clouds.

As this tiny particle of ice moves through the clouds, more water vapor freezes into it, and a snowflake forms. This process is called nucleation.

Snowflakes are always in a hexagonal shape because when water freezes, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules connect in a way that always forms hexagons.

Why does it seem so quiet when it snows? There is space between the snowflakes, so the snow can absorb the sound waves rather than having the sound waves bounce off the snow-covered ground.

Why Aren't All Snowflakes Alike? Snowflake size and form are determined by the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere while the snowflake is forming.

Wind currents blow the snowflakes in different directions. So, no two snowflakes take the same exact path and, thus, are not the same

It can take up to 100,000 water vapor droplets to make each snowflake.

LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR K-5

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