Winter Themed STEM Snowflake Craft

This winter themed craft is also a fun science activity. Plus, it’s an opportunity to work on fine motor skills. Preschoolers will enjoy seeing the colors melt together, and older kids will appreciate learning about symmetry as well.

Yes, we made these snowflakes using just crayon shavings and waxed paper.

Older children love learning to cut snowflakes. If they’re too young to handle scissors that well, they can participate by peeling and shaving crayons. They’ll enjoy watching a parent cut out and unfold the snowflakes.

Crayon shavings can get messy, so be sure to set up a work space in an area that’s easy to sweep clean. Lay out a large sheet of waxed paper. You may want to tape it to the table or counter to keep it from sliding around.

Next, pick out some old crayons and peel off the wrappers. Don’t overlook how much fun peeling wrappers is for little kids.

Now, you’re ready to make crayon shavings.  You can shave the crayons with one of several different tools.

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• A crayon sharpener like comes with a big box of  96 crayons {affiliate link for your convenience}

• A cheap sharpener big enough for crayons (that you don’t mind using on them).

• A plastic knife. This is what we used, because we were out of town visiting relatives. My 6 year old was able to do this. I’m not sure if a preschooler could manage it.

Shave or sharpen the crayons onto the waxed paper until you have covered the center well. Then, place a second sheet of waxed paper on top of the shavings. Un-tape the bottom sheet and slide the whole thing onto a cutting board, plate, or piece of cardboard.

Set up your ironing board and cover it with an old rag. Get out a second rag to protect your iron {amazon link}. Carefully carry the waxed paper and crayon shavings to your ironing board. 

Stop for a moment here and talk about safety with your child. Find a safe spot for them to observe you ironing.

While the iron is heating is the perfect time to bring some STEM learning into the activity. Ask your child to predict what will happen when you iron over the waxed paper.

Cover the waxed paper with the second rag, and iron. I used a scrap of an old t-shirt for a rag, and medium heat on the iron.

Lift up the rag to reveal the melted crayon. Be sure to discuss how the heat made the crayons melt and change.

Now you’re ready to cut out a snowflake. Cut out a square from the portion that has the most color. Then fold and cut just as you would for a paper snowflake.

It helps if you draw some simple lines for your child to cut. This is a more complicated one that I cut out. 

Isabella decided to cut her melted crayons into a monkey instead. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow! Sophie still wants to make a snowflake, but I haven't had a chance to do one with her yet.

You may like to read a children's book about snow to go along with your craft. 

For another winter theme learning activity, children working on reading rhyming words may enjoy the snowflake rhyming games I wrote about last month.

If you're looking for still more ideas, check out the Books and Giggles "Winter" Pinterest board.

 Follow Books and Giggles' board "Winter" on Pinterest.