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Snowflake Math Activity: Exploring Symmetry Through Winter STEM

Looking for a winter activity that combines math, science, and art? This snowflake symmetry project is perfect for snow days, holiday breaks, or winter unit studies. Kids explore geometry concepts while creating beautiful snowflake designs they can turn into ornaments!

STEM snowflake activity

What Makes This Activity Educational?

This hands-on STEM project teaches:

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  • Symmetry - Understanding when shapes are the same on both sides

  • Geometry - Working with hexagons and pattern recognition

  • Spatial reasoning - Planning and arranging shapes

  • Science connection - Why snowflakes form with 6 sides

SIA-SIA2013-09132.jpg

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 31, Image No. SIA2013-09132

The Science Behind Snowflakes

Did you know that every snowflake has exactly 6 arms? This happens because of the molecular structure of ice crystals. When water freezes, the molecules arrange themselves in a hexagonal pattern, creating those perfect 6-sided snowflakes we see in nature.

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Even more amazing? While no two snowflakes are exactly alike, they all follow the same basic 6-armed structure with perfect symmetry. Each arm of a snowflake mirrors the others, creating multiple lines of (near perfect) symmetry. 

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Check out these images of snow crystals on the Smithsonian website!

Materials you'll need

This is a low-prep activity using materials you likely already have:

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  • Pattern blocks OR our free printable shapes

  • Paper or cardstock (cardstock works best for ornaments)

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

  • Optional: Glitter, string, hole punch for making ornaments

How to make snowflake math art

Step 1: Start with a hexagon Since snowflakes have 6 sides, we begin with a hexagon shape in the center. This gives us 6 "arms" to build from.

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Step 2: Plan your design Before gluing, arrange your shapes to create a symmetrical pattern. Remember: each of the 6 arms should look exactly the same!

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Step 3: Build with symmetry Add triangles, rhombuses, and other shapes to create your snowflake arms. The key is making sure each arm matches the others perfectly.

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Step 4: Glue and create Once you're happy with your design, glue everything down. You can create multiple snowflakes to compare different patterns.

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Step 5: Turn it into an ornament (optional) Cut out your favorite snowflake, punch a hole in the top, add string, and you have a beautiful math-inspired ornament!

watch the full tutorial

For step-by-step visual instructions and to see example snowflakes in action, watch the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel. You'll see examples of snowflakes in the wild, how to create different patterns, and turn your snowflakes into ornaments.

get the complete teaching materials

Teachers: Looking for ready-to-use materials for your classroom? The complete lesson package includes:

  • Google Slides presentation

  • Student worksheets

  • Printable pattern shapes in multiple colors

  • Extension activities

  • Assessment tools

share your snowflake creations

I'd love to see the snowflakes your kids create! Share your designs on Instagram and tag me @hoffman.tutoring.group or leave a comment on the YouTube video. Happy creating!

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