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Science Experiments for Preschoolers Using Ice

Engage your preschoolers with science experiments that examine the various states of ice. Avoid science projects that utilize dry ice. Although there are many interesting science projects involving dry ice, the substance is dangerous and poses a liability for preschool teachers. Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide and can cause severe burns if handled without proper protection.

Expanding Ice
- You can use water, a freezer and a plastic cup to teach preschoolers that water expands when converted to ice. Fill a clear plastic cup halfway with water. Mark the waterline with a permanent marker. Place the cup in a freezer overnight so that the water can completely freeze. The next day, allow the children to inspect the cup. The ice in the cup will have expanded above the waterline, demonstrating how water expands when converted to ice.
Melting Ice
- Once your preschoolers grasp the concept of water becoming ice, conversely show them how ice converts to water. Have your preschoolers fill an ice tray with water and place it in the freezer. Check the ice trays after an hour and show the children the water bubbles in the partially frozen ice. Remove the trays after the ice has completely frozen and have the children check the ice periodically to see it convert to water.
Salt and Frost
- Show your preschoolers how to make frost with a metal can, paper, salt and ice. Place a heaping teaspoon of salt on a piece of printer paper on a level surface. Fill an empty metal can, ideally a soup can, with half crushed ice and half salt. Place the can on top of the mound of salt and stir the ingredients in the can with a spoon. Your preschoolers will see frost begin to appear on the outside of the can. Explain to your preschoolers that salt decreases the melting point of ice and allows frost to form quickly.
Examining Snowflakes
- If you live in a climate that experiences snow, you can teach your preschoolers about snowflakes in a hand̵7;s on fashion. Have your preschoolers catch snowflakes outside on dark colored paper. Once the child catches a snowflake, share a magnifying glass with them so they can examine the intricate patterns of the snowflake. Encourage your preschoolers to catch multiple snowflakes so they can examine the difference between the two. If you live in an area without snow, blend crushed ice in a blender until it has the consistency of snow. Children will enjoy playing with the fake snow with a similar texture.

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