Sunday, January 20, 2019

We Are Scientists: Ice Cube Treasures

We are scientists! My friends and I are excited about science - most kiddos are! Here's some science for a cold winter day ... all you need are some ice trays (or there small containers), water, and small colorful items for a little science fun!

First, fill the ice cube trays about 1/3 full and freeze. Then, lay in some tiny treasures ... little toys, natural items, or colorful pompous! Fill the rest of the tray with water and freeze (if the items float, just freeze part full and then do a third layer of plain water to freeze).

When they are frozen, pop an ice cube out per child and encourage them to think up ideas about how to get the “treasure” out. They may want to try breaking the ice cubes or chipping at them with some kind of tool. Have them predict some outcomes and plan a method ... that’s what scientists do!


Show them how to use a dropper or a small spoon to drip little drips of water over and over on the ice ... it will start to indent a little.

Dripping cold water might work s-l-o-w-l-y, but they will see a divot develop where they are dripping water. Eventually, you can guide them to drip warm water with an eye dropper, and see the magic work even better!

Start a chat about the connections between ice and water - and how heat and cold affect each. See what your kiddos observe - tell them they are, indeed, scientists!

My friends got great satisfaction out of this task and stuck with it longer than I thought they would :) Some even asked for more cubes to try again :)

Have fun!

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