Winter Instant Ice Science Experiment for Kids

Are you looking for a fun, engaging winter science experiment? Try this instant ice experiment to teach, engage, and spark curiousity with pre-k, kindergarten, and elementary age students in first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and up! Learn what the freeze water instantly experiment includes, supplies needed, and an explanation as to why it happens. Plus download the free printable science worksheet with detailed directions on how to make instant ice.

Instant Ice Experiment

Transform your winter science lessons with this engaging and hands-on Instant Ice experiment printable! This instant freeze water experiment is designed to capture curiosity and spark scientific inquiry, this activity explores the fascinating phenomenon of supercooling, where water stays liquid even below its freezing point until disrupted. It’s the perfect way to combine fun and learning for children from preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students during the chilly season.

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Freeze water instantly experiment

This experiment demonstrates supercooling, a phenomenon where water can be cooled below its freezing point but remains liquid until disturbed.

Supplies:

• Several (3-4) small, unopened water bottles (purified water works best)
• A freezer
• A bowl of ice water (optional, but helpful)

How to make instant ice

Place the unopened water bottles in the freezer for about 2-2.5 hours. It’s crucial to NOT disturb the
bottles during this time. The timing is important; too short, and the water won’t supercool; too long,
and it will freeze solid.

Next carefully remove one bottle from the freezer. It should still be liquid.

Instant freeze water experiment

Choose one of the following options to initiate freezing:

• Option 1 (Impact): Quickly and firmly hit the top of the bottle on a table or counter.
• Option 2 (Ice Seed): Pour some of the supercooled water over a small piece of ice in the bowl of ice
  water. You’ll see the water instantly freeze around the ice.

Instant ice experiment EXPLANATION

The water has been cooled below freezing, but it needs a “nucleation point” (a
disturbance or ice crystal) to start the freezing process. The impact or the ice seed provides this point,
causing the water to rapidly crystallize into ice.

Instant Ice Experiment Printable

This printable includes a detailed worksheet that guides students through the scientific process while fostering critical thinking skills. Everything you need to do this experiment is carefully explained on the winter science experiment worksheet.

The free science printable includes space for students to record their

• Prediction
• Observation
• Conclusion

Using this science worksheet will encourage young scientists to hypothesize, document, and reflect on their findings to make it more educational and fulfilling.

Perfect for teachers in the classroom and homeschooling families, this activity combines fun and education seamlessly. It’s an excellent way to introduce foundational scientific principles while keeping children engaged during the winter months.

Winter science experiment

As a bonus, the experiment can be extended for more winter-themed science fun. Once the basic Instant Ice activity is completed, explore related concepts like testing the effects of different water temperatures or experimenting with adding salt to the ice. This printable also opens the door to discussions about the states of matter, freezing points, and how temperature impacts everyday life in winter.

 

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