Kids Corner Text Version

SeaComm Kids Corner

4th Edition 2023

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All About Snow

Snow is a form of ice. Snow forms when water in the atmosphere becomes frozen. Snow comes in all different shapes and sizes! At the freezing point of water (0° Celsius, 32° Fahrenheit), snow melts and becomes liquid water. Sometimes, the snow will melt very fast and become water vapor. This is called sublimation. The opposite, where water vapor becomes snow, is called deposition.

Snow can also be dangerous, as it can lower visibility and make driving very difficult. When it snows, the snow will melt a little during the daytime and freeze again at night. This makes ice which can make driving conditions very treacherous. Snow plows are used to remove snow from roads to make driving easier and safer. Also, sand or salt may be added to the road to help tires grip the road. When salt is mixed with snow, the snow will melt more easily. This is because salt water has a lower melting point than fresh water (water without salt).

*Winter Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

INSIDE: FUN FACTS, FALL FUN COLORING WINNERS, & MORE!

Animals in Winter

  • Migration is a common effect of winter upon animals, notably birds. However, the majority of birds do not migrate—the cardinal and European Robin, for example. Some butterflies also migrate seasonally!
  • Hibernation is a state of reduced metabolic activity during the winter. Some animals "sleep" during winter and only come out when the warm weather returns; for example, gophers, frogs, snakes, and bats.
  • Some animals store food for the winter and live on it instead of hibernating completely. This is the case for squirrels, beavers, skunks, badgers, and raccoons.
  • Resistance is observed when an animal endures winter but changes in ways such as color and musculature. The color of the fur or plumage changes to white (in order to be confused with snow) and thus retains its cryptic coloration year-round. Examples are the arctic fox, weasel, white-tailed jackrabbit, and mountain hare.
  • Some fur-coated mammals grow a heavier coat during the winter; this improves the heat retention qualities of the fur. The coat is then shed following the winter season to allow better cooling. The heavier coat in winter made it a favorite season for trappers, who sought more profitable skins.

*Winter Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Snowmen!

In North America, snowmen are generally built with three spheres representing the head, torso, and lower body. In the United Kingdom, two spheres are used, one sphere representing the body and another one representing the head. The usual practice is to then decorate and optionally dress the snowman. Sticks can be used for arms, and a face is traditionally made with stones or coal for eyes and a carrot for a nose! Some like to dress their snowmen in clothing such as a scarf or hat, while others prefer not to risk leaving supplies out doors where they could easily be stolen or become stuck under melting ice.

There are variations to these standard forms; for instance, the popular song "Frosty the Snowman" describes a snowman being decorated with a corncob pipe, button nose, coal eyes and an old silk hat (usually depicted as a top hat). These other types range from snow columns to fun and elaborate snow sculptures similar to ice sculptures.

* Source: Snowman Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

“No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place.” -Unknown

Just for Laughs

Question: How do mountains stay warm in the winter?

Answer: They put on their snowcaps!

Fall Fun Coloring Contest Winners!

  • Amelia - Age 4
  • Jensen - Age 7
  • Layla - Age 12

We would like to thank all of the participants for their submissons... We hope to see you for our next contest!

Make your own... Paper Plate Snowman!

Materials you will need:

  1. Paper plates
  2. Markers
  3. Construction paper
  4. Scissors
  5. Glue
  6. Buttons

Instructions

  1. Glue paper plates together to form the body of the snowman.
  2. Draw a hat, eyes, nose, hands, mouth, boots, and a scarf on your construction paper.
  3. Carefully cut out the shapes you drew and place them on the body.
  4. Once you know where they will go, glue the shapes to the body.
  5. Glue your buttons in the center of the bottom plate for added effect.

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