You can capture the shape of a real snowflake by catching it on chilled, hairspray-coated glass and letting it dry. A magnifying glass then shows off the ice crystal pattern.
This activity only works when it is actually snowing outside, so watch the forecast and be ready to go out when flakes start falling. It pairs well with our science section for a short lesson on how snowflakes form.
What you need
- A large piece of glass, such as an 8×10 picture frame glass
- A can of hairspray
- A magnifying glass
- Falling snow
Steps
- An hour or so before it starts snowing, put the glass in the freezer to chill. Keep the hairspray can at room temperature. Never put an aerosol can in the freezer.
- When snow is falling, take the chilled glass and the room-temperature hairspray outside.
- Hold the can about 10 inches from the glass and spray in one quick sweep from side to side, then once up and down. A light coating is enough.
- Hold the sprayed glass out to catch a few falling snowflakes.
- Bring the glass back inside and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to dry.
- Look at the frozen impressions with a magnifying glass to see the ice crystal shapes.
Safety
An adult should handle the glass, since a picture frame pane can crack or have sharp edges. Spray the hairspray outdoors and away from faces, since a fine aerosol mist should not be inhaled. Store the can at room temperature, never in the freezer or near heat, and have children dress warmly since this project means standing outside during snowfall.
Compare your results with the crystal snowflake project on our crafts page, which grows crystals rather than capturing real ones.