Core Skills Analysis
Science
- Lewis observed that soft drink expands when placed in the freezer, indicating a physical change related to temperature.
- He learned about the relationship between temperature and matter, specifically how liquids can expand upon freezing due to ice formation.
- The activity introduced the concept of molecular movement slowing down as temperature decreases, causing expansion as water freezes.
- Lewis also inferred potential practical implications, such as why containers can burst if liquids expand too much in freezing conditions.
Tips
To deepen Lewis's understanding, encourage him to experiment with different liquids (like water, juice, and soda) to observe variations in expansion as they freeze. Discuss why some liquids expand more than others, touching on the unique properties of water molecules. Additionally, he can explore the concept of freezing points and how additives like sugar or carbonation affect physical changes. Linking this to real-world phenomena, such as frost heaves or why pipes burst in winter, will help contextualize the science. Hands-on activities, like measuring the volume change or observing container deformation, can solidify these concepts.
Book Recommendations
- Why Is Water Wet? by Emma Carlson Berne: A child-friendly exploration of water's unique properties, including its expansion when freezing.
- The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole: While focused on bees, this book showcases scientific exploration that can inspire curiosity and experimentation related to states of matter.
- What is an Iceberg? by Elin Kelsey: Explores freezing water and its effects in nature, helping to connect experiments with larger environmental contexts.
Learning Standards
- ACSSU113 - Water molecules in ice are spaced further apart than in liquid water, causing expansion when water freezes.
- ACSSU077 - Changes to materials can be reversible or irreversible, such as the freezing and thawing of liquids.
- ACSIS124 - Planning and conducting investigations to observe physical changes in matter under varying temperature conditions.
Try This Next
- Create a worksheet where Lewis charts the volume change of various liquids after freezing and explains the scientific reasons behind each observation.
- Design a simple experiment to test which beverages freeze fastest and compare expansion rates, followed by a drawing task to illustrate molecular arrangements in liquids versus solids.