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I first heard this idea at a teacher’s
convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with
my elementary classes for years. The activity was so
enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate
snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The
result is incredible—transforming hallways, windows,
and entries into a winter wonderland. When making the
snowflakes with my elementary students I always read
the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacquelyn Briggs Martin,
about the first man to successfully photograph snowflakes.
The story is engaging, and it also teaches facts that
you can use to make prettier, more accurate snowflakes.
Equipment Needed:
Elmer’s Glue, 1 small bottle per person
Q-tips, 30-60 per person, or more, depending on the
number and size of snowflakes you want to make.
Waxed paper, one 18 inch sheet per snowflake
Glitter, optional (glitter glue also lends a neat effect)
Procedure:
Spread a sheet of waxed paper on the table surface.
This will be your working space. Using Q-tips, design
a snowflake on the waxed paper. Q-tips may be bent,
broken in two, or used whole for different effects.
In general, the end with the cotton swab should create
a corner with a neighboring swab.
An interesting fact about snow crystals
is that they are made up of water molecules frozen to
ice in a hexagonal lattice formation, which accounts
for their six-fold symmetry. The best-looking, most
accurate snowflakes, therefore, are six sided, although
three-sided works well too. Experiment by arranging
three or six Q-tips in a sunburst fashion, with one
end meeting in the middle. These will be your stems.
Using more Q-tip pieces, repeat patterns between the
stems. Keep in mind that every Q-tip must be connected
to the whole.
When you have finished your snowflake
design, squeeze a puddle of glue over each joint. Do
not skimp! Use lots of glue. A large puddle is needed
to connect Q-tips together. Don’t worry if the puddle
spreads and loses shape—it will harden clear and contribute
to the overall crystalline effect of the snowflake.
For a sparkly effect, shake the snowflake with glitter
before the glue dries.
Set the snowflake on the waxed paper
aside until the glue dries. This will take several hours,
and maybe even overnight. Continue making more snowflakes!
You can use the photo gallery at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm
for ideas to model your snowflakes after. Try different
sizes by using different lengths of Q-tips for the stems.
When the glue has dried completely,
carefully pull the snowflake away from the waxed paper.
If an insufficient amount of glue was used to hold the
Q-tips together, simply return the snowflake to the
waxed paper and cover with more glue. You will have
to wait again for the glue to dry. Then remove the snowflake
from the waxed paper. Use clear fishing line to hang
from the ceiling. Voila! An instant blizzard! Make some
hot chocolate and enjoy!
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