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Experiments in snow and ice
We got some surprise snow this week. The first snow the kids really got to see and will probably remember (future Ticia 2021 will tell you they do not remember it). I’m guessing they don’t remember the sleet that came through here before the boys turned two, and Princess was just an infant…..
And this would be an excellent reason why I don’t post themes for Science Sunday. Originally I had a very different project planned for this week, and then we had snow. And we had to experiment with it for our science lesson this week.
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Materials for our snow and ice experiment
ice, water (hot and cold), bowls, snow
Yep, it’s that simple
Though if you want to get fancy: garage sale stickers or blue tape
Though I will say, if your area gets snow on a more regular basis than Texas, you might plan ahead and get some snow books and turn this into a whole snow unit study, but I didn’t do that.
HYPOTHESIS
The ice in the snow will melt the slowest.
SET UP
4 bowls, one with hot water, one with cold water, one with snow, and the control with nothing but ice.
How we did our snow and ice experiment
So, we dropped our ice cubes in. The first ice cube in the hot water melted before I actually got the snow for the snow and ice one, so I had to get another ice cube. Then I set a timer to check on the ice cubes after five minutes. We all put a sticker on the one we thought would melt the slowest. Everyone but Batman was sure it would be the ice and snow one.
After five minutes we went over to check on the rate of melting and revise our hypothesis. We talked about how we can change our prediction based on what we’ve seen. So, Batman changed his to the snow bowl, and I changed mine to the control. We noticed at this point the hot water one had completely and totally melted, and the cold water one was much more melted than the others.
After 10 minutes the cold water one was essentially melted and Batman was quite happily dipping his fingers in and licking the water off from that bowl. Superman was happily playing with our control ice, and Princess was just mad she couldn’t stand on the chair as well.
So, a lesson learned: Ice in hot water melts fastest, and ice that is not in water melts the slowest. Hmmm, in my quick look through I can’t find a good link to explain adequately why the one in air-melted slowest. I have a theory, but not one that I could explain well.
What’d you do in your house this week?
Some more fun ideas from people who get more snow
We got a smattering of snow, but I hear people up North regularly get snow, so I went to my Pinterest boards to gather a few ideas:
- 10 Ways to have fun in the snow
- Snowflake Science
- Snow marble run
- Cars and ramps in the snow
- Snow themed hands-on activities
More early learning fun
Comments
11 responses to “Experiments in snow and ice”
Fun science! But did you make snow ice cream?
Fun experiment! I have been meaning to do an ice melting experiment for a while.
What a great experiment! We have plenty of snow (sigh), so I think we may do this. You are such a great homeschool mom, Ticia… somehow you always let your kids be themselves and yet make sure they learn something at the same time. I hope that makes sense! I really admire this about you and just wanted to let you know! 🙂
Snow ice cream sounds fun, we didn't do that this year and we had so much snow. I did do one with different colors of paper that was a blast! This is a really neat meme, and on Sunday too ~ the one day I feel like I have any sort of down-time.
Sarah @ FullTimeMinistry
We've been buried in snow here. This is a great way to sneak a science lesson in too!
Flexibility is such a blessing with homeschooling, isn't it?! Glad you enjoyed the snow and had the chance to incorporate it into your school. *Ü*
I love how you changed your plans on the fly. I wonder why the control ice melted slowest too. Great predictive experiment.
Fun! I guess it's good you got a little snow so you could do something like this. Ironically, we were just talking about this today. I can't remember what brought it up but I'll have to show this to C. We were just talking about whether ice would melt faster inside or outside given different outside temperatures.
It's “snow” joke- I really like this entire scientific experiment…and I learned something to!
What a great idea to use what nature has provided for your science experiment this week. Your children must have been excited to test their predictions.
I really enjoyed reading your post about you and your family. It is great to learn more about you. You have experienced lots of interesting things.
We also enjoy Mem Fox's books too. One of our favourites is Time For Bed.
What a great experiment! First time joining you for Science Sunday. 🙂
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