The Great Snowflake Debate

I was born to be a Scientist... to question, postulate and  investigate was the norm for my inquisitive brain even as a child.  As soon as the first snowflake fell each Winter, I was on a mission to disprove the theory that "No two snowflakes are alike".

INTRODUCTION:
If 20 trillion snowflakes fall in an average snowstorm, then two snowflakes will be exactly alike.

To investigate the possibility that two snowflakes may be exactly alike, snowflakes will be captured on a plain colour mitten and examined for  characteristics.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=63042755

 METHODS AND MATERIALS:
To investigate the possibility that two snowflakes may be exactly alike, snowflakes will be captured on a plain colour mitten and examined for similarities.  Child will stand with mittened hands outstretched, palms up during a snowstorm. Snowflakes will be caught on the palm of the mitten for 20 minutes. Snowflakes are generally six sided crystals, so each side will be examined and its shape recorded.  After collection, the data will be examined over a cup of hot cocoa.

One pair of plain  Navy coloured hand knit wool mittens with attached idiot string
Two warm snowsuits
One pair of child's Winter boots, hand me downs acceptable
One pair of adult's Winter boots
Two pair of handknit wool socks
Two woolen scarves  wrapped tightly over the face of investigator and recorder
Two Winter parkas
Canadian child, age 5
Recorder, adult of any age willing to stand out in the snowstorm
Clipboard
One snowstorm
Hot cocoa
Mini Marshmallows

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=64962631

RESULTS: 
Sample size: 50 snowflakes were examined and characteristics were recorded. During the investigative period, four snowballs were made, and thrown between the investigator and recorder. Approximately 28 snowflakes were consumed before they fell to the ground. No yellow snow was eaten.

DISCUSSION :
Investigator ran all over the yard, chasing snowflakes. Investigator noted that some snowflakes melted too quickly to be examined.

CONCLUSION: 
From a sample size of 50  beautifully formed snowflakes, no two snowflakes were found to be exactly alike, but all snowflakes do TASTE exactly alike.
A parent who is willing to brave the elements to support a child with an investigative brain knows the importance of being a parent..thank you Dad..
A parent who makes the hot chocolate with mini marshmallows to warm you up after the experiment knows the importance of being a parent..thank you Mom.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=65044530

Mittens, snowflakes and hot cocoa mix can be purchased from the featured etsy shops by following the links listed

WELCOME to 2011

Blessings to all 
Happy New Year and welcome to my brand new blog

January 1st..this is the day where reflections  of the past years intersect with opportunities for change and new experiences in this and years to come

So after working to design a new blog, I'm sitting here looking out at the snow, enjoying a cup of herbal tea..yes I gave up caffeine..thinking about the following:
what did I learn...what new thing can I learn...where have I been and what did I accomplish in the prior year..what lies ahead..how can I be a better person...what  needs my attention

As you may have guessed...becoming a blogger is my "new thing to learn".  I'm one of those old dogs who has managed to learn a few computer skills, but always looking to improve.

This blog will be a reflection of my life experiences as  a person, a mother,  a friend, an artist, a gardener, a tomboy and a Biologist..and will include subjects as varied as my life...family, cool Biology lessons, life experiences, artistic endeavors, home decorating tips, introductions to my favs, my weight loss journey, pet stories, and..well just follow along and you'll see

Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway from my shop later this month

Walk in peace
Patti