As for thermometers, I found that my local hardware store carried sturdy basic thermometers that one would typically hang outdoors. The thermometers are mounted on a plastic backing which makes them easy to handle. The red temperature line moves quickly up and down in the bowls of different temperature water so it’s very satisfying for the children. Even very young children can watch the red line go up and down.

What do you think about pairing the book, Snowflake Bentley, with another children’s biography of Wilson Bentley, My Brother Loved Snowflakes to show children that there is more to any story than is told in one book? I especially like the perspective on the Bentley family, how they supported Wilson’s fascination and persistence in recording snowflakes.

Another question: What type of thermometer do you find most useful for four-year-olds? Are there any thermometers that show the change in temperature by another means, such as color change, that even younger children could use?

One of my favorite snow books is Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. My pre-k class loves hearing the true story of a boy so fascinated by snowflakes he became determined to photograph them. The illustrations are gorgeous and it’s inspiring to learn how Wilson Bentley kept trying year after year to photograph the delicate flakes before they melted. Here’s a scientist children can relate to.

Since we don’t have snow at my school we focus on cold temperatures and ice. We do experiments to learn where ice cubes will melt most quickly in our classroom or outside and where the ice cubes will melt most slowly. I also give children opportunities to use thermometers to measure different temperature water. They love watching the red line go up and down from ice water to warm water. It’s not the same as making snowballs but it is real.