How to Save Snowflakes
Every snowflake that falls is a unique and enchanting part of nature. Whether it is for educational purposes, an experiment or simply to enjoy the beauty of a snowflake up close, follow these steps to save a snowflake for years to come. You may even want to start a collection of these one-of-a-kind, perfect crystals.
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Things You'll Need
- Microscope slides
- Microscope cover slips
- Super glue
- Tweezers
- Microscope or magnifying glass
Instructions
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1
Check the temperature outside. Make sure that it is at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder before you plan to collect and save snowflakes.
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2
Place microscope slides, microscope cover slips, tweezers and a bottle of super glue outdoors until they are thoroughly chilled.
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3
Let snowflakes collect on the slides or pick them up individually with the tweezers and place them on the slides. Make sure that your warm hands don't touch the surface of the slide.
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4
Cover the snowflakes on the slide with a drop of super glue.
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5
Put a cover slip over the glue, but don't press it down.
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6
Store the slide in the freezer for two weeks without touching it. This allows the glue to completely harden before you remove the slide from the freezer.
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7
Remove the slide from the freezer and examine the snowflakes under a microscope or magnifying glass. Store the slides anywhere and enjoy the start of a beautiful snowflake collection.
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Tips & Warnings
Your super glue must be a brand that's thin and runny. Gel glue will not work.
You can experiment with using chilled hairspray or clear fingernail polish to save your collected snowflakes, however the super glue method tends to work best.
Do not touch the slides or cover slips with warm hands at any time during the collection and preservation process. The snowflakes will warm up very quickly and melt.
