Summer Fun: Ice Excavation and the States of Matter

Summer does not mean that the learning has to stop.  In fact, it is an ideal time to do this cool, hands-on science project!

It was so beautiful outside yesterday that after the kids were done playing I got the bowl I’d been saving in the freezer and set up a mini-excavation site on the back porch. I told the kids they could use salt, a spoon, and warm water to try and figure out the best methods for extracting all of the little things frozen in the ice. I also announced that the person who collected the most would win a prize. They loved it–and they learned a few things too about the states of matter. That is our theme this week!

Things you will need:

• bowl to freeze water in
• food coloring if you choose to color it
• little things from around the house like buttons, paper clips, etc. to freeze
• spoons
• salt
• water
• cups
• and anything else on hand you think they could use.

Here’s a tip–freeze it in layers or all of the goodies float entirely to the top or the bottom and that’s no fun!

Angela DeRossett is military wife, homeschooling mother, and an advocate for autism research. Angela can be found blogging at Homeschooling the Chaotic Family and Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy.

Tags: all ages, DIY, hands on learning, Projects, science, states of matter, summer fun, Summer School

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