Geometry Snowflakes

Students will use their knowledge of geometry shapes to complete a STEM activity. 

Duration
1-2 hours
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Essential Question

How can I build a snowflake by using geometric shapes? 

Grade(s):

  • 4

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

Toothpicks
Marshmallows

Notebook paper to record work

Lesson Progression

Students will incorporate their knowledge of geometric shapes in this STEM activity. They should have already learned about the different types of triangles, different angles, and different polygons. 

Give the students 20 toothpicks and 20 marshmallows. 

Tell students their goal is to create a snowflake that includes three types of triangles, and at least two different geometric shapes. 

They then will record the shapes they used on their recording sheet and draw a picture of their snowflake, labeling each requirement.
 

Teacher Notes

Differentiation: Alter requirements to include 1 or 2 different types of triangles.

Extension: Have students swap snowflake models, illustrate the new model, and identify the shapes within.

Snowflake read-aloud

Incorporating ELA into lesson. Can use to summarize story.

View Resource

Assessments

Snowflake recording sheet