Over the winter of 1997, a project was undertaken that involved grade school students to assist in sampling falling snow and snow on the ground. Five classes of students, primarily at a grade 5 or 6 level, from across central south-western Ontario were given the opportunity to participate in the local snow surveying program. On a weekly basis, the students collected data on the local accumulation of snow, and crystal type, size and corresponding air temperature during specific storm events. These data were used to illustrate the relationship between the near surface air temperature and size and type of falling snow crystal. Although a significant portion of literature exists relating formation temperature and flake size and type, this dataset, while not extensive, represents a first attempt at developing such a relationship for field near surface conditions.

The most important impact of the project was the education opportunity. The school children had a chance to learn about science, in particular weather, the water cycle and measurement through external instruction and hands-on learning.