A study of symmetry in snowflakes

“Under the microscope I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." Snowflake Bentley.

Wilson Snowflake Bentley is one of my favorite scientist/artists. He is one of the first known photographers to be able to capture ice crystal images. Every year in Math Workshop we read the book SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. It is a lovely story that captures the passion and determination of one boy from Vermont who was often misunderstood. His father felt that the time he dedicated to this study of snow was foolish. Snow was as common as dirt in Vermont...but the end he and his wife spent their savings on a camera with a microscope for Wilson to continue his work. Through great patience and tenacity his research proved two important truths no two snowflakes are alike and each one is incredibly beautiful in it’s design.

This story inspired us to continue our study of symmetry. Through loose parts the children were invited to plan and create a symmetrical design reminiscent of snowflakes. Throughout the process the students were counting out loud and helping one another find perfect balance in their compositions.