Now You See It, Now You Don't

Doing simple science experiments at home can prepare your child to learn important science concepts—and the need to be patient.

What You Need

• 2 ice cube trays
• Clock
• Small bowls
• Paper and pencil
• Water and other liquids, such as fruit juices

What to Do

      ·         Give your child a pencil and paper and tell her that she is going to be a scientist and take notes about what she observes in some experiments.

·         Together with your child, fill one ice cube tray to the top with water. Fill the other tray only half full. Put both trays in the freezer. Have your child record the time. Tell her to watch the clock and check every 30 minutes or so to see if the water in each tray has frozen (if not, wait until it has frozen).

• Ask your child to write down how long it took the water in each tray to freeze.
• Ask her which amount of water froze faster? Invite her to explain why she thinks this happened.
   

        ·         Have your child take one ice cube from each tray and put them in separate bowls to melt. Ask her to write down which cube melts faster—the larger one or the smaller one.

·         Put one ice cube in a window and another in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and have your child write down how long they each take to melt.

·         Freeze samples of liquids such as different kinds of fruit juices. Have your child compare their freezing times to that of water.