Classroom / Schoolyard Science Activities

Snow-Water-Ice and Light Experiment!

Here’s a simple experiment designed for 1st grade students to compare how snow, water and ice each affect a beam of light.

Snow vs Ice Experiment!

Designed for 2nd grade students, this simple experiment explores some of the differences between a cup of ice and a cup of snow.

How deep is the snow?

Here’s a simple activity to compare how deep the snow is in different locations around your school. Various versions of this school yard snow survey activity can be done at all grade levels. A 3rd Grade curriculum and activity guide example is provided to the right.

Snowpack Temperature Experiment!

Here’s a simple experiment to test the temperature of snow and can be repeated on days when the air temperature outside is warmer or colder.  4th Grade example activity guide is provided.

How much water is in our snow?

The answer may surprise you! Watch the video below to learn how to do an easy experiment in your classroom to determine Snow-Water Equivalent.  Various versions of this activity can be done at all grade levels.

Build a map of your local watershed!

Here’s a fun way to explore the idea of a watershed.  This can be a tricky concept to understand, but if you build your map using snow its fun and makes plenty of sense.  Various versions of this activity can be done 3rd-6th Grade.

Become a NASA Citizen Scientist! (Snow Depth)

NASA needs your help this winter to learn more about our snow! By measuring the depth of snow outside, taking note of your location and sending your measurements to NASA you’ll become part of our team of Citizen Scientists! You can learn more about NASA snow science here.  Various versions of this snow depth activity can be done at all grade levels.  To send your measurements to NASA you have two options:

1. If you are located in a NASA SnowEx flight path can visit the SnowSchool SnowEx page and click on your location and follow the prompts to enter your data.
2. If you are not in a SnowEx location, you can still enter your measurements through NASA Community Snow Observations LINK HERE and click “Add data” (you may need to create a user profile and use the map to find your location)

Become a NASA Citizen Scientist! (Snow Water Equivalent)

NASA needs your help! By measuring the snow depth, Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) and taking note of your location and sending your measurements to NASA you’ll become part of our team of Citizen Scientists! You can learn more about NASA snow science here and if you want to learn more about Snow Water Equivalent specifically, click here.  This SWE activity can be done at grade levels 6th – 12th.  To send your measurements to NASA you have two options:

1. If you are located in a NASA SnowEx flight path can visit the SnowSchool SnowEx page and click on your location and follow the prompts to enter your data.
2. If you are not in a SnowEx location, you can still enter your measurements through NASA Community Snow Observations LINK HERE and click “Add data” (you may need to create a user profile and use the map to find your location)