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    Home » Early Years Science » Science for little ones – ice play

    Science for little ones – ice play

    August 24, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 9 Comments

    This ice activity is very simple and a perfect first preschool science experiment or activity.

    Lego man frozen in a giant ice cube
    LEGO Ice Excavation

    All I did was freeze a LEGO man and a dinosaur in some ice. Once frozen we felt the ice very carefully and talked about how it felt a little sticky.

    It’s generally best to leave the ice out for a while so it starts to melt, or little hands will stick to it which can be painful.

    Child holding a giant ice cube with a LEGO man frozen inside
    Ice Excavation

    We then discussed where would be the best place to put the ice for it to melt, eventually deciding to leave it in the garden with the sun shining down.

    Preschool ice experiment - science for kids

    Sure enough after a few minutes the ice was no longer sticky. We tried picking it up and found it was quite slippy and very cold. Freezing was the word the children used.

    This was such a simple activity, but it led to so many questions, lots of giggles and many requests to do it again.

    Science for Kids

    Why does water freeze?

    Water can be a solid, liquid or gas.  In liquid form the water particles can move around freely, so the water takes the shape of the container it is in. When you cool the water down the movement of the particles slow down and the particles become tightly packed together, which means its shape cannot change easily. We will come back to this later on and investigate in more detail.

    Why is ice sticky?

    Ice feels sticky because when you touch it, the ice immediately freezes the moisture in your skin, which makes the cube feel sticky.

    You can find lots more ice activities here.

    Don’t forget to follow us on facebook for lots more science ideas or check out our huge list of science experiments for kids.

    Lego frozen in ice as a fun and simple preschool ice activity.

    Last Updated on January 7, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « Flying Balloons
    Why do we get dizzy? »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. JDaniel4's Mom

      August 24, 2012 at 11:34 am

      What a fun summer day activity!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        August 24, 2012 at 9:50 pm

        Yes, they loved it!

        Reply
    2. maggy, red ted art

      August 24, 2012 at 6:52 pm

      So cute. Ice play is just perfect for this time of year!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        August 24, 2012 at 9:47 pm

        Yes and very simple and easy!

        Reply
    3. Bethany @ No Twiddle Twaddle

      August 26, 2012 at 1:21 am

      That’s a fun idea. I may try it with my kids. They would probably enjoy it. : )

      Reply
    4. Melissa @ Honey Bee Books

      August 26, 2012 at 11:00 am

      This looks like lots of fun! I can’t wait until it gets a little warmer here so we can try it out too!

      Reply
    5. Joyce @Childhood Beckons

      August 27, 2012 at 6:53 am

      Simple activities are often the best! This reminds me that we need to do this before the weather turns cooler. Thankfully(?) we probably have another month or so of 90 degree temps. Haha. Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        August 27, 2012 at 7:49 pm

        Wow! I think our summer is now over!

        Reply
    6. Carrie

      August 31, 2012 at 7:36 pm

      Oh, how fun!! I love it!! We may have to try this. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

      Reply

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