Winter is the perfect season to explore the wonders of science, and what better way to do it than with a fun, hands-on experiment about melting ice? This simple yet fascinating project captivates students with its blend of observation, experimentation, and discovery. Hands-on experiments are a fantastic way to engage young minds during the chilly months while sneaking in lessons about science concepts like temperature, states of matter, and chemical reactions. Continue reading to learn how you can make this easy science experiment right in your classroom or home!

Why Melting Ice Experiments?

Melting ice experiments are simple to set up and can be adapted for various age groups, making them perfect for elementary and middle school classrooms. Using just a few household materials like ice cubes, salt, and water, students can observe and experiment with the science of freezing and melting.  

The process begins with placing ice on a flat surface and challenging students to experiment by sprinkling salt and adding water. This opens the door to discussions about how different factors—like temperature, pressure, and the properties of substances—affect the melting process.

What You’ll Need:

• • • Freezer
    • Water
    • Balloons
    • Table salt
    • Cup
    • Small plate
    • Food coloring
    • Dropper or paintbrush
    • Paper towels
    • Flashlight (optional)

What You’ll Do:

Step 1: Create the Ice Balls

For each participant, fill a pair of balloons with water and tie them shut with a knot. Freeze for a couple of hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Balls

Retrieve the ice balls from the freezer and peel away the balloons. Set out two small plates and place the exposed ice onto small plates next to each other.

Step 3: Prepare your Workspace

Choose a workspace that can get wet! Set out some salt. Fill a cup with water and add food coloring.

Step 4: Add Salt and Water

Sprinkle a few pinches of salt on top of each ice ball, then add a few droplets of dyed water to wet the salt. Observe for a few minutes.

Step 5: Compare and Contrast

Add a few more droplets of dyed water to the ice ball on the right, leaving the left untouched. Observe the difference in how they melt (dump the melted water as needed to avoid overflowing).

Step 6: Have Fun and Explore!

Try adding more salt and dyed water to the ice balls to make interesting patterns. Hold a flashlight up to your melted ice balls to see the patterns light up!

How It Works:

Salt lowers the freezing point of water. When salt is added to ice, it prevents the water molecules from bonding together into solid ice crystals. Instead, the salt erodes the surface of the ice, creating sharp edges and river-like channels, as highlighted by the food coloring! This handy mechanism is the same one we use when we salt our streets and walkways in the winter—the salt helps melt the ice, making it safer for us to drive or walk in otherwise unsafe and slippery conditions.

The Magic of Science School Assembly

While this science experiment is a great way to get students excited about science, pairing them with a more extensive program like Mobile Ed’s Magic of Science program helps take their curiosity to the next level. Students who enjoyed experimenting with ice will be thrilled to see similar principles in action during the assembly.

The Magic of Science is an interactive experience that combines live demonstrations, engaging explanations, and hands-on activities that showcase the “magic” behind everyday science concepts. Hands-on participation ensures that students don’t just watch—they actively experience science that aligns with science standards and reinforces core concepts like chemistry, physics, and the scientific method. To bring The Magic of Science to your school, click below to find availability and see how you can deliver an unforgettable learning experience for your students.

Project inspired by: Science Buddies