This middle school science lesson introduces the science of snow in a clear, student-friendly way that builds understanding without overwhelming learners. Students explore familiar winter phenomena—such as snowfall, melting, insulation, avalanches, and snowpack—to understand how matter, energy, and phase changes work together in cold environments.

Students are introduced to states of matter, phase changes, snow formation, density, heat transfer, and real-world snow hazards at a basic and application level. Using real-world examples, diagrams, and everyday winter experiences, students learn how snow forms, why it behaves differently than ice, and how it impacts ecosystems, water supply, and human activities. Your lesson also includes TWO activities students can perform at home during a snow day or in class.

In Order, the Lesson Covers:

• The Water Cycle & States of Matter
• How Snow Forms (Deposition)
• Freezing, Melting, Sublimation & Deposition
• Snow vs. Ice: Structure & Properties
• Snowflake Formation & Crystal Shape
• Density of Snow vs. Ice
• Snow as an Insulator
• Temperature, Heat, and Thermal Energy
• Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection & Radiation
• Freezing Point Depression (Salt & Ice)
• Winter Clothing & Cold-Weather Safety
• Avalanches & Snow Hazards
• Snowpack, Climate Change & Water Supply
• Real-World Snow & Winter Examples included throughout

Included in the Lesson Package:

• Teacher version of the presentation
• Student version of the presentation
• 6 videos embedded into the presentation
• Embedded discussion prompts and visuals
• An auto-graded Exit Ticket
• 2 at home or in class snow investigations - Density & Melting Time
• Student lesson handout

✅ Clear Overview: Snow formation, phase changes, density, insulation, heat transfer, and climate connections explained in simple, student-friendly language.

✅ Interactive Lesson: Student slides encourage discussion, prediction, and explanation of winter phenomena.

✅ Conceptual + Real-World Focus: Students connect science concepts to everyday experiences like snowfall, icy roads, warm clothing, and avalanches.

✅ Classroom Ready: Easy-to-use presentation ideal for introduction, whole-class instruction, review, or sub plans.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

Google and Distance Learning Ready

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

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I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.