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Igloo Build and the Science of Winter
Discover the wonder of the season with winter science and one of the museum’s longest-running traditions—Igloo Build!
Dubbed the #1 Way to Winter Fun by Yankee Magazine and a “Top 10 Winter Event” by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Montshire’s Igloo Build is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
NOTE: The Igloo Build activity outside is weather dependent. Please check our website for event changes due to weather conditions.
Join Montshire Science Educator Mike Fenzel for a demonstration, as well as instruction on building with snow—from making an initial snow angel to placing the final block on the dome and sawing your way out.
Learn how to build an insulated, sturdy house strong enough to support the weight of a polar bear!
Dr. Bert Yankielun, engineer and author of the book How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Shelters, will be on hand to offer a lesson on the structural secrets of building with snow—from making an initial snow angel to placing the final block on the dome and sawing your way out. After his quick lesson on how to build an igloo, Dr. Yankielun will be on hand to assist igloo-builders with the process.
Inside the Museum, stop by the Science Discovery Lab for hands-on activities that explore the science behind ice and frost.
The Igloo Build lesson starts at 10:30am and the Igloo Build activity outside ends at 3pm.
Schedule of Activities
Time
Activity
Description
Location
10:30am—3pm
Igloo Build
Join engineer Dr. Bert Yankielun for a quick lesson on building an igloo. Then build your own!
Outside, by the Hughes Pavilion
11am
Fun with Ice
Experiment with a variety of ice using color, lights, and salt.
Science Discovery Lab
1pm
Frosty Science
How cold can you go? Create sub-zero temperatures inside as we create our own frost.
Science Discovery Lab
3pm
Ice Fishing
Use a variety of tools and methods to extract a little fish from a block of ice.
Science Discovery Lab
All Day
Snowshoe Exploration
Explore the Montshire's winter trails! Snowshoes are available at the Admissions Desk for visitors to borrow.