Snow and Ice Melt

In my part of our world, we are getting snow this week. School has been canceled in some areas and not in others (that means some disappointed school-age children)!

So, using the snow and ice we are blessed with, make a fun science and math discovery area.

Find 3 containers. Put some snow in one.

Put some icecicles in the 2nd.

Ice cubes from your freezer go in the third container. A towel, cloth, or tray under the containers may help catch any water that “escapes” the container.

I use the names of each to expand the science and math with literacy development. Included on this post is a freebie for you with the words you see in the photo and also the 3 word wall words with pictures. All you need to do is click and print in either color or black & white.

Questions to ask:

1. Children predict how long it will take for the snow, icecicles, and ice to melt in each container? Keep track of the melting time of each. Compare the results.

2. Which container melted first?

3. How long did each take to melt? Why?

4. What do they each look like now they are melted?

After 1/2 hour goes by, here is what the snow, icecicles and ice cubes look like.

Depending on the child it may be useful to make a chart to record predictions and actual melting time. This activity is inclusive of all children. If you don’t have snow, as I’ve not had some winters, ice cubes that are crushed can substitute nicely.

Your  Snow and Ice Melt freebie:

Which melts the fastest