2-Year
FromBaby Steps to STEM,
Jean Barbre
What to have
- water
- variety of containers in which to freeze water, such as ice cube trays, gelatin molds, muffin tins, plastic storage boxes
- pictures of mountains
- camera
- small toys for freezing
- bowls of water
- salt
- several large buckets
- items for pouring water such as funnels, sponges, plastic cups, turkey basters
What to do
Getting Ready
Collect all the containers for freezing water and make space in the freezer for containers.
How To
Day 1: Show children pictures of mountains, and explain that you are going to build an ice mountain. Set out the empty containers that you plan to fill with water, and ask the child to sort and count them. Using the empty containers, assist the children in creating a plan or model for building their mountain. Take photos to document the model. You will need this for the construction on day 2. Talk about the properties of water, and discuss the children’s prediction on what will happen when the water freezes. Place the toy items in ice cube trays, gelatin molds, or ice molds, fill with water, and freeze overnight.
Day 2: Review the plan created the day before with the children. Un-mold the frozen water into several buckets. Sprinkle salt directly on the ice in the buckets and let the children build mountains of ice. Let the children use the items for pouring to add additional water to help the ice melt, and let them play in the water. After all the ice has melted, collect and sort all the small toys and count them. Document the building process.
Hint: Have a bucket of warm water handy in case little hands get too cold. Be sure to closely supervise young children to make sure they don’t place small objects in their mouths.
Why
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, forcing the ice to melt briefly and then refreeze. It’s important to note that salt alone can’t melt ice. It must first be combined with water to start the melting process.
For more activities check out
Baby Steps to STEM: Infant and Toddler Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Activities
By Jean Barbre Copyright 2017 2-Year