Snowflake Math
Out of 120 snowflakes observed, 45 have six perfect arms, and the rest are irregular. What fraction of the snowflakes are irregular?
Answer: B) 75/120
(120 total − 45 perfect = 75 irregular; fraction = 75/120 = 5/8)
What causes the unique six-sided shape of snowflakes?
Answer: B) The arrangement of water molecules when they freeze
(Water molecules form a hexagonal lattice when they crystallize, creating six-sided snowflakes.)
Which ancient civilization is credited with creating festivals around the winter solstice?
Answer: B) Ancient Rome
(Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival around the winter solstice.)
Which sentence uses the most vivid sensory details to describe winter?
Answer: C) The crisp air stung my cheeks as snowflakes sparkled like diamonds under the pale sun.
(This sentence uses strong sensory details: touch, sight, and descriptive language.)
Which of the following is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere?
The temperature drops by 2°F every hour. If it starts at 34°F and needs to reach 28°F for snowflakes to form, how many hours will it take?
Answer: B) 3 hours
(34 - 28 = 6°F; 6 ÷ 2 = 3 hours)
At what temperature do snowflakes typically form in clouds?
Answer: B) Below 32°F (0°C)
(Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes below the freezing point.)
Why did many cultures historically celebrate the winter solstice?
Answer: B) It signaled the shortest day and the return of longer daylight
(The solstice was seen as a turning point toward spring.)
Which thesis statement is best for an essay about why schools should close during snowstorms?
Answer: B) Schools should close during snowstorms to keep students safe and reduce accidents.
(This is clear, focused, and provides two reasons for the argument.)
What is the main reason it gets colder during winter?
Answer: B) The Earth is tilted away from the Sun
(Seasonal changes are caused by Earth's tilt, not its distance from the Sun.)
Perimeter of a Snowflake Arm
Each arm of a snowflake is a straight line 5 cm long. If the snowflake has 6 arms, what is the total length of all arms?
Answer: B) 30 cm
(6 × 5 = 30 cm)
Why are no two snowflakes exactly alike?
Answer: B) Each forms under slightly different temperature and humidity conditions
(Tiny changes in conditions affect crystal growth, making each snowflake unique.)
Which U.S. holiday was influenced by European winter traditions?
Answer: C) Christmas
(Christmas traditions like decorating trees and exchanging gifts came from European winter customs.)
Which sentence is an example of a topic sentence for a paragraph about winter activities?
Answer: C) Skiing, ice skating, and sledding are popular activities that make winter enjoyable.
(This introduces the main idea and sets up details for the paragraph.)
Which of these activities is most commonly associated with winter?
Answer: B) Skiing
(Skiing is a popular winter sport.)
If you catch 10 snowflakes and 3 of them have perfectly symmetrical arms, what is the probability of catching a symmetrical snowflake?
Answer: B) 0.3
(3 out of 10 = 3/10 = 0.3)
What process allows snowflakes to grow larger in clouds?
Answer: C) Deposition of water vapor onto ice crystals
(Snowflakes grow as water vapor deposits directly onto the ice surface.)
During harsh winters in early American history, what was a major challenge for settlers?
Answer: B) Lack of shelter and food
(Cold winters made survival difficult for early settlers.)
Which sentence uses correct punctuation for a compound sentence about winter?
Answer: A) Winter is cold, and many animals hibernate.
(Correct use of a comma and conjunction for a compound sentence.)
What is the freezing point of water in Fahrenheit?
Answer: B) 32°F
(Water freezes at 32°F or 0°C.)
Geometry of a Snowflake
A snowflake has 6 identical arms arranged symmetrically. If the angle between two adjacent arms is the same, what is that angle?
Which statement about snowflakes is scientifically accurate?
Answer: C) Snowflakes are made of frozen water vapor
(Snowflakes form from water vapor in the atmosphere, not liquid water or salt.)
Which of these is a reason why winter weather historically affected wars?
Answer: C) Harsh winters caused supply shortages and slowed troop movement
(Winter conditions often led to famine, disease, and logistical problems in wars.)
Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?
Answer: B) Snowflakes fall gently on the ground.
(Plural subject “snowflakes” matches plural verb “fall.”)
Which animal is known for hibernating during winter?
Answer: B) Bear
(Bears hibernate to conserve energy during cold months.)