| Why is it common knowledge that every single | | | | with the world. If he were alive today he’d be |
| snowflake is unique? Who had the time to figure | | | | greatly impressed with the ability of everyone in |
| this out? | | | | the world to view his work through the internet. |
| The fact lies in the historical story of | | | | Besides being able to view the snowflake |
| “Snowflake Bentley.” Wilson A. Bentley | | | | photographs, the internet makes it possible for |
| (1865-1931) was a man who loved snow and | | | | people today to create virtual snowflakes. Fold |
| went on to extensively study and photograph | | | | the paper, cut little chunks out, open to see what |
| snowflakes. | | | | you’ve made, and then continue to cut some |
| The story of his life is documented in | | | | more. All of this can be accomplished without a |
| “Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs | | | | single paper scrap on the floor! Students love to |
| Martin. This book combines biographical data with | | | | make virtual snowflakes all year round. It is one |
| scientific information. The illustrations are | | | | of their favorite websites to visit. Save some of |
| spectacular and the book is a Caldecott winner. | | | | the snowflakes and import them into your |
| His story is one of discovery, yet also | | | | favorite software to add snowflake poetry or |
| perseverance. Imagine the work that goes into | | | | stories. |
| trying to capture a photograph of a snowflake. | | | | Snowflake Bentley is also an excellent example of |
| Then add to that the time era he was working in | | | | how multiple genres can be mixed within one |
| and the technology tools he had available. | | | | story. There are online resources that allow |
| After reading about Snowflake Bentley the fun | | | | students to choose a topic and pieces of writing |
| continues. By visiting the website of the museum | | | | to create their own multi-genre page of writing. |
| that honors him, the snowflakes that he | | | | The story of Snowflake Bentley (by Jacqueline |
| photographed are available to view. One by one, | | | | Briggs Martin) is an excellent way to kick off any |
| the snowflakes can be viewed and the intricate | | | | unit about snow, seasons, water cycle, or states |
| details exposed. Snowflake Bentley’s dream | | | | of matter. |
| was to be able to share his passion of snowflakes | | | | |