Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!!

This is a great activity to use when you head back to your classroom in January.  With the upcoming snow days (hopefully), you can add this math problem to your winter activities. This activity not only gives the children practice for counting money up to a dollar, but it also reinforces geometry vocabulary and concepts.  To complete this activity you will need pattern blocks, white paper and light blue construction paper.  Have the children build their snowflake with the pattern blocks.  Once they find a pattern that works, then they are going to trace the design on white paper, cut them out and glue it on the blue circle.

Snowflake Problem

Cindy made this snowflake using pattern block pieces. What is the value of her snowflake if each triangle is worth a nickel?

Extensions:

·        Younger children could find the value if the triangle is worth a penny.

·        What is the design worth if the hexagon is valued at 18 cents?

·        Can you make a symmetrical snowflake design worth $0.96 if the rhombus is valued at 8 cents?

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin is a wonderful literature connection.  Another tool for your winter arsenol is http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm.  This website shows real snowflakes!