Sometimes when I am reaching in to get ice from our freezer, it sticks to my hands and makes our kids laugh. I decided to take this concept and do a simple science experiment so they could see why the ice sticks.
- 2 or more Cups of ice
- 3 bowls big enough for a child’s hand to fit inside
- Warm water
- Cold Water
Fill one bowl with ice and cold water. Fill the second bowl with only ice. It doesn’t need to be a full bowl. One or two cups will do. Add warm water to the third bowl. This experiment can be done in groups where each child gets a chance to participate. Have the child who is participating place one hand in the bowl of ice water and keep it there several seconds until cold. Then have the child place his or her hand in the bowl of ice. The ice will stick to the skin like magic when the child’s hand is raised out of the bowl. Then, have the child place a hand in the warm water and then in the ice. It will not stick. Discuss how the temperature of the water on their hands causes the ice to freeze to their hand or simply stay in the bowl.
It is a surprising and interesting sensory experience when the ice sticks to their hands. The warm water feels nice on their hands after the ice that is stuck comes off. Then, the ‘magic’ no longer works as the water on their hands is too warm for the ice to stick.
What Makes Ice Melt Faster? by The Educators’ Spin On It
Exploring Ice After a Storm by Tiny Tots Adventures
Katie says
What a great idea to fulfill their natural curiosity about why this happens! I'll give this a try with my preschooler.
Theresa says
Thank you Katie.
I hope your preschooler enjoys it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Devany LeDrew says
What a fun experiment! I can't wait to see what my kids think about this!
Theresa says
Thank you Devany.
I hope they enjoy it. It's an interesting sensation and fun to see that ice will not stick once they dip their hands in the warm water.
: 0 ) Theresa
Christine Cox - The Choosy Mommy says
I am so going to give this a try today! What a fun and EASY experiment! Thank you for sharing!
Theresa says
Thank you Christine.
I hope you enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Growing Book by Book says
So fun!
Meredith says
Such a cool idea! My kids love experiments…and ice! They'll love this 🙂
Theresa says
Hi Growing Book by Book.
It is fun and super easy to set up any day.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Thank you Meredith.
I hope your kids have fun with this.
: 0 ) Theresa
Charlene says
My oldest son is super sensory seeker. This would be a great activity for him. Thanks for linking up at Family Joy Blog link up Party. I hope you join us next week.
Theresa says
Hi Charlene.
This sounds like a great activity for your son. Thank you for hosting the party.
: 0 ) Theresa
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Theresa says
Thank you! 😀