Winter Activities

Warm up this winter with these inspiring activities.

Examining Snowflakes

Have youths observe the icy patterns of winter frost. Use a magnifying glass or a microscope to compare the patterns. Have them freeze tiny drops of water and observe them using a magnifying glass. Do they resemble snowflakes?

Painting Snow Scenes

After reading some wintry books, ask members to illustrate their versions of the story. But, instead of tempera paint for snow, try this mixture:

Combine in a large bowl 1 cup of soap flakes, 1/3 cup liquid starch and ¼ cup water. Beat with a wire whisk until the mixture thickens.

Use this “snow-like” paint on dark colored paper to make snow pictures.

Icy Sports

Divide your club into several groups and assign each group a cold weather sport. Some ideas include ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and bobsledding. Each member of the group can research a different facet of the sport such as the rules of the game, official organizations, teams, locations, individual participants or as an Olympic event.

 

Mitten Math

Provide each member with a pair of mittens and an indoor/outdoor thermometer for this activity. Ask youths to complete these activities.

•  Record the temperature indicated on the thermometer.

•  Place the bulb end of the thermometer in the palm of your hand. After 3 minutes, record the temperature.

•  Next, slip the mitten on and slide the bulb of the thermometer inside the mitten, resting it on the palm of your hand. After 3 minutes, record the temperature.

Now, answer these questions:

•  What was the original temperature?

•  What was the temperature after 3 minutes on the palm?

•  How much did the temperature increase?

•  What was the temperature after you wore the mitten?

•  How much did the temperature increase?

•  Why do you think wearing the mitten made the temperature warmer?