Snow

Snow can fall in regions around the world that experience cold temperatures and sufficient moisture in the atmosphere. It is formed through a process known as crystallization, which occurs in the atmosphere when the temperature is cold enough for water vapour to freeze into ice crystals. 

This scene allows students to explore the cause and effects of snowfall to understand where and how it may occur.



# Objectives:

1: To explain how snow is formed.{.info}

2: To identify hazards caused by snowfall.{.info}

3: To describe some of the practical and recreational uses of snow.{.info}



# Snow Formation{.objective .objective1}

Snow is formed in cold temperatures when moisture (water vapour) in the air attaches to tiny particles called ice nuclei (particles of dust, pollen or other microscopic particles). When the water vapour makes contact with the particles, it changes form from a gas to a solid, forming an ice crystal. Water vapour in the surrounding air molecules continues to freeze onto the existing ice crystal, causing it to increase in size. As more of these develop and they become large and heavy enough, they fall to the ground as snow.

Students can observe a diagram showing the snow formation process and describe what they see. They can view a 3D model of a snowflake and discuss how the patterns of each snowflake might be different.



# Snow Hazards{.objective .objective2}

Snow tends to fall in regions that experience cold temperatures and is associated with areas that experience a winter season or that have high elevations such as mountains. For those regions, snow management strategies are put in place to support the daily life of communities living and working there. Hazards include slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, avalanches, building damage and disrupted utility services.

Students can consider what countries experience snow and their geographic location. They can think about countries which experience snow throughout the year and discuss the differences between the regions. They will be presented with a number of snow hazards in the scene which they can identify.


# How Snow Can Be Used{.objective .objective3}

Although it can cause hazardous conditions, snow can also be used for practical and recreational purposes. Melting snowpacks during warmer seasons can provide much a needed supply to water sources such as rivers and lakes, in areas with water scarcity concerns. Snow can also be used as cool storage for medicines and food in areas without adequate refrigeration, and as insulation, providing thermal protection as shelter from harsh blizzard conditions. Recreationally, snow has many uses, including winter sports, sculpting and photography. It also serves as great fun to play in!

Students can look for recreational uses of snow in the scene. They can pick up the interactive snowman pieces and build their own snowman as well as throw snowballs. They will be encouraged to think about their own experience with snow, whether they have ever seen it before and what they would choose to do when it snows.

# Teacher Resources

### Download Teacher Notes

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/806568/files/Snow%20Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1692779670&size=1440760&md5=38c3d28915c04393724b535c24030c8c)

### Student Quiz Answers Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/806569/files/Snow%20Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1692779735&size=887637&md5=cb563e906a8aefeb56b6c9389e252fce)

### Download Student Quiz Document

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/806570/files/Snow%20Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1692779780&size=68027&md5=01379a8e806533d84e52ce4188a23e3b)