Ice and Icicles

The ice and icicles activity was developed after having a discussion with a second grade class wherein we were asked what makes ice freeze. It was a very interesting question and posed a dilemna initially, as I wasn't sure how far I could go into the molecular structure of things with a second grade class. To my pleasant surprise they did know that everything was made up of molecules but it was definitely beyond their present range of knowledge to know that there were two hydrogen and one oxygen molecule in water ergo H2O, but I found they were fascinated about learning how ice and icicles were formed.

In trying to do some initial research on materials that were available already at the school, I found there was little available. As a result, the first time it got cold enough for ice to freeze on the local ponds and for icicles to form on various objects in my area, out I went with my camera and the activity and resulting extra photos are now available for your use. Required Software: IntelliTools Classroom Suite Player® or IntelliPics Studio 3® and IntelliTalk 3®.

In later talking with a teacher, the kids are now interested in how fire starts. It looks like one of my next projects will be on combustion.

Enjoy!