Freezing and the ‘intriguing ice’ experiment

This resource is also available in Welsh and Irish

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Get the Irish language version.

This experiment focuses on freezing different liquids. First watch the video of the ‘intriguing ice’ demonstration, then find out how you can get your learners freezing different liquids and thinking about the properties of solids and liquids. 

Learning objectives

• To describe the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
• To understand that materials change state when they are cooled.

Enquiry skills:

• To practise making predictions, observing and recording changes that occur over a period of time, and interpreting and communicating results.

Watch the video

The video demonstration below shows how to carry out the ‘intriguing ice’ demonstration.

What do learners need to know first?

Learners should be able to compare and group materials according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases.

Equipment list

• Access to a freezer
• Plastic beakers
• Spoons
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Food colouring
• Fizzy drink
• A variety of liquids that learners can handle and freeze, eg shampoo, vinegar, cooking oil, fruit juices and honey

Access to freezer – this could be in a staff room, school kitchen or at home. Note that there is no risk to health because none of the liquids that will be frozen are unfit for human consumption.