My youngest is finishing up Kindergarten, and I find myself repeating a lot of the homeschool science experiments that I conducted with my older kiddos years ago. Some experiments were one and done, but a few were so fun, the older kids were THRILLED to repeat them with their baby brother!
A family favorite it discussing the science of how water can exist in three different states. As a homeschool refresher, water can be a liquid, a solid, or a gas depending on its temperature and pressure. In this post, I’ll explore the states of water (in terms that children can understand!) plus, we’ll include a fun hands-on project you can do with your kids to help them understand!
States of Water
Water is a molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O). The way these molecules behave can change depending on the temperature and pressure around them.
Liquid Water
At room temperature, water is a liquid. This means that the molecules are constantly moving, but they are still close together. This is why water can take the shape of its container. Liquid water is essential for life, as it is the basis for many biological processes.
Solid Water
When water is cooled down, it can become a solid. This happens when the molecules slow down and get closer together, forming a crystalline structure. This is why ice is hard and has a specific shape. Solid water is also important for many natural processes, like glacier formation and snowfall.
Gas Water
When water is heated up, it can become a gas. This happens when the molecules gain energy and start moving faster. The gas form of water is called water vapor. Water vapor is invisible, but it can be seen when it condenses into tiny droplets, like when you breathe on a cold window.
Hands-On Activity: Freezing Toys in Ice
Now that we’ve learned about the three states of water, it’s time for a fun hands-on project! We’re going to freeze some toys in a block of ice to see how water changes from a liquid to a solid.
What You’ll Need:
– A plastic container (like a small plastic bin or Tupperware container)
– Water
– Toys or small objects you don’t mind freezing
– A freezer
Instructions:
1. Fill the plastic container with water, leaving enough space for your toys.
2. Add your toys to the container, making sure they’re all submerged in the water.
3. Put the container in the freezer and let it freeze overnight.
4. Once the water is completely frozen, take the container out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Carefully remove the ice block from the container. You might need to run some warm water over the bottom of the container to loosen it.
6. Explore the ice block with your kids! Talk about how the water changed from a liquid to a solid, and how the toys are now trapped in the ice.
This hands-on activity is a fun way to learn about the states of water and how they work. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time with your kids and explore the world around you!
This fun hands on activity keeps your kids attention while you explain how water is an amazing substance that can exist in three different states. By understanding how water changes from a liquid to a solid or a gas, children can better understand the world around us. Plus, by doing a fun hands-on activity like freezing toys in ice, we can help our kids learn about science and have fun at the same time!
