Easy Snow Gauge Craft for Kids

Make a No-Melt Snowman to Measure how Deep the Snow Gets this Winter

Feb 21, 2008 Melissa Howard

Use this fun craft project to engage in a little scientific observation this winter.

Suggested Age

Good project for ages 3 years to 99 years (adult assistance/supervision is necessary since a knife and scissors are used)

Supplies

• 3 foam balls (2 large, 1 smaller)
• infant sized hat
• fleece
• a variety of buttons
• tacks
• small sized paperclips
• knife
• scissors
• dowel
• adhesive
• yardstick

Instructions

1. Use a knife to cut off the ends of the foam balls where they will join (the middle ball will be cut on both ends, the head and base will only be cut on one end).
2. Stack the three balls on the dowel (push the dowel completely through the middle ball but only insert it about half way into top and bottom ball). If necessary, smear the dowel with adhesive to help the snowman remain steady.
3. Insert the yardstick into the bottom of the snowman. If necessary, smear the yardstick with adhesive to help the snowman remain steady.
4. Put stocking hat on the snowman’s head. Use some tacks to hold it in place if it is a little loose.
5. Cut a scarf out of the fleece. Tie it around the snowman’s neck.
6. Create the snowman’s face.
7. Give him buttons for his coat. Hint: Use half a paper clip to attach the buttons. Push each end of the paper clip through a button hole then push the paperclip into the foam.
8. Take your snow gauge out side and push it into the dirt (if necessary, brace it against a pole).

Ideas and Suggestions

• Pick some sticks up out of the yard and give the snowman arms.
• It would not be necessary to buy a hat. A couple of triangles of fleece could be sewn together to make a hat as well.
• Use this project to springboard into some basic scientific observation with your children.
• Make a journal and measure the snow depth every day. Ask the children questions like: “It snowed last night, how deep do you think the snow is?” or “It was sunny and warm yesterday, do you think the snow will be deeper or less deep?”

About the Sample Project

This project was made by children who were aged 3 years to 6 years. Cabin fever is a problem during long winters. As a result, it was necessary for the supervising adult to assemble the snowman and put on his hat and scarf before allowing the children to make the face and add the coat buttons.

However, older children should be able to complete this project by themselves with adult supervision.

The children were pleased to have built a snowman that won’t melt.

The copyright of the article Easy Snow Gauge Craft for Kids in Kids Crafts is owned by Melissa Howard. Permission to republish Easy Snow Gauge Craft for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Snowman Snow Gauge

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