Poured cold and hot water on dry ice

Science

• The child learned about the concept of sublimation, where a solid (dry ice) directly turns into a gas (carbon dioxide) without becoming a liquid.
• They observed the formation of a dense fog or vapor when hot water was poured on dry ice, which helped them understand the process of condensation.
• The activity demonstrated the release of carbon dioxide gas when cold water was poured on dry ice, allowing the child to understand the concept of gas expansion.
• They discovered that dry ice can cause a bubbling or fizzing reaction when in contact with water, indicating an exothermic reaction.

For continued development, encourage the child to explore other substances that can undergo sublimation, such as mothballs or frozen carbon dioxide pellets. They can also investigate the effects of temperature on the rate of sublimation. Additionally, they can research real-world applications of dry ice, such as in the preservation of perishable goods during transportation.

Book Recommendations

• Exploring States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Jane Harris: This book provides an in-depth look at the different states of matter, including sublimation and the properties of each state.
• Chemistry for Kids: Elements, Acids, and More by Baby Professor: This book introduces basic chemistry concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, covering topics like reactions and phase changes.
• Mad Margaret Experiments with the Scientific Method by Eric Braun: This book follows Mad Margaret as she conducts various experiments, including some involving dry ice, while learning about the scientific method.