Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own toy out of ice and understand the concept of melting.
Materials and Prep
- Ice cube tray
- Water
- Small plastic toys
- Food coloring (optional)
- Freezer
Before starting the lesson, make sure to freeze the ice cubes in the tray ahead of time.
Activities
- Discuss the concept of ice and how it can melt when exposed to warmth.
- Show the frozen toy-filled ice cubes to the student and explain that they will be creating their own toy in ice.
- Have the student choose a small plastic toy and place it in an empty section of the ice cube tray.
- Fill the tray with water, covering the toy completely.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the water to make colored ice cubes.
- Place the tray back in the freezer and let it freeze overnight or until the ice cubes are solid.
- Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove them from the tray and help the student observe the toy encased in ice.
- Discuss how the ice can melt and the toy will be released.
- Allow the student to experiment with different ways to melt the ice cubes, such as using warm water, salt, or rubbing the ice cubes with their hands.
- Encourage the student to observe and describe the changes happening to the ice as it melts.
Preschool Grade Talking Points
- "Ice is a solid form of water that becomes solid when it gets very cold."
- "When we put toys in ice and freeze it, it becomes like a surprise toy hidden in a block."
- "We can use warm water or other things to help the ice melt and release the toy."
- "Melted ice turns back into water."
- "We can observe and describe the changes happening to the ice as it melts."