Ice & Salt experiments
Today we indulged in a little interest led learning. The boys watched me salt the driveway last night after some snowfall & wanted to know why/how that worked. So, today, we conducted a little experiment.
We put an equal number of ice cubes into 2 separate containers. Each boy took a turn adding salt to 1 of the containers. We then watched to see which ice cubes melted faster. While we were watching, we discussed each child’s hypothesis.
After that, we emptied the containers and filled one with water and salt, while the other container just held water. We placed the containers in the freezer & have been checking on them periodically to see what will happen with the water.
Next we’re going to put the 2 containers – 1 with ice & salt and 1 with just ice into the freezer to see how salt melts ice even in freezing temperatures.
Interest led & chemistry at the same time – great deal!
Next we’re going to put the 2 containers – 1 with ice & salt and 1 with just ice into the freezer to see how salt melts ice even in freezing temperatures.
Interest led & chemistry at the same time – great deal!
Another fun winter science experiment we’ve done is to put a container outside while it is snowing (best is if it’s a huge snowstorm). Once the container is full of fallen snow, we bring it inside and let it melt measuring before and after to see how much moisture it takes to make how much snow. Oh yeah, better is if you put a lid on the container so it doesn’t all evaporate.