Science · Ages 4–5
The melting ice cube
Does your child say “my ice cube disappeared”? That’s a logical idea: when an ice cube melts, you see the cube fade away. This free printable suggests questions instead of corrections, and three activities to do together: two ice cubes in the sun and in the shade, water turning back into ice in the freezer, and a challenge with a rock. An adult stays right there from start to finish.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why “my ice cube disappeared” is a logical idea.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: the ice cube turns into water, and when it is very cold the water turns back into ice.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- Safety: an adult stays right there, never hot water, only the adult opens the freezer.
- How to do the three activities: the two ice cubes, the water in the freezer and the rock challenge.
- Notes to read after the try, and a cut-out slip to play again a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with no text: pictures to circle, no reading needed.
- Before the try, a picture under the question mark; after it, a picture under the eye.
- Three activities: the two ice cubes, in the sun and in the shade; the water in the bowl and the disc of ice; the ice cube and the rock.
- A big frame to draw what surprised them.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “The melting ice cube” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Find our videos on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Visit Ludip’s YouTube channelLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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