First graders will notice water around them, but may not understand how the different forms of water are related. According to Math/Science Nucleus, water on our planet is in constant motion, evaporating into the atmosphere to form oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. During this lesson, create a diagram of the water cycle. Include where snow fits into the water cycle. Provide examples of water, vapor and ice to show the different stages of the water cycle.
Make a snow-like texture by mixing crushed ice into a blender until it reaches the consistency of snow. Depending on the strength of the blender, this can take up to five minutes. Explain to your students that this is not the way snow develops in the environment. If snow is available in your area, compare this mixture to snow found outside.
Plan a lesson explaining the process of snow creation in the atmosphere. According to Family Education, snow crystals are created in clouds when water vapor freezes on a solid material like a particle of dust. Create a diagram to explain snow formation, breaking the process down into steps and emphasizing how water vapor turns into snow. Demonstrate the process by using colored plastic foam balls to show how the water vapors attach to dust, creating snow. A handout of snow creation that allows the students to identify each step will help them understand the process.
Snow crystals can be classified into six patterns. For example, snow can take the shape of a needle, column, dendrite or star. The different shapes are a result of different temperatures and humidity levels while the snow is forming. To teach students about the different types of snow crystals, provide examples of the crystals, and have students draw their own snow crystals.