How to Make a Snow Flake With Folded Paper

One of the nearly endless variations of six-sided snowflakes

Anyone can fold up a sheet of paper, make a few random cuts and call it a paper snowflake. However, science teachers know that snowflakes are really six-sided crystals. You can look at images of actual snowflakes to understand the intricate patterns that form in real-life snowflakes. The challenge is to translate this into your own paper snowflakes. Hang your creations from a ceiling or window for scientifically accurate decor.

Things You'll Need

• 8-1/2-by-11-inch sheet of paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Protractor
• Snow crystal images (optional)

Instructions

1. Mark 8 1/2 inches on the long side of the sheet of paper. Cut the sheet of paper at your mark to make a square.

2. Fold your square sheet of paper diagonally in half to form a right triangle. Hold the triangle so the folded seam is at the base of the triangle. The base should measure 12 inches. Mark the center of the base.

3. Fold the triangle in half, so there is a folded seam between the middle point you marked on the base and the top point of the triangle.

4. Rotate the triangle slightly, so the new 90-degree angle is now pointing down. Use a protractor to divide the 90-degree angle into three 30-degree angles. Make pencil lines to mark the angles.

5. Fold the paper along the pencil lines. Hold the paper with the newly folded 30-degree angle pointing down. Measure and mark the sides of the triangle at 4 inches. Cut the irregular tails of paper straight across at the 4-inch marks.

6. Cut shapes out of the sides and top edge of the triangle. Use photographs to create accurate versions of real snowflakes, if desired.

7. Unfold your snowflake to see the results. Refold the paper if you want to cut out any additional shapes.

References

• High Hopes: Paper Snowflakes
• Snow Crystals: Activities For Kids
• The Lion's Den: Making Snowflakes