How does the power of ice shape mountains? We’re wondering because we’re studying how weather shapes the land.
To test ice power, we did a fun and simple hands-on activity.
TEST ICE POWER
Look at this short list of things you probably have around the house:
►egg
►wooden skewer
►a pinch of modeling clay
►small beaker
►dye to color water. We used blue, but choose your color.
First thing Tiny did was to tap the top of the egg on the table to make a small hole in the egg.
Then Tiny stuck in a wooden skewer to poke the yoke and drain the egg.
After that he used blue dyed water to fill the egg up with water. It’s important to be sure that the egg is completely filled with water.
Then, I have these cutest mini beakers (okay, okay) for measuring small amounts of liquid and Tiny grabbed them. I’ve found out that though they are perfect for our science around the house.
He used a mini beaker to fill the egg with colored water. The colored water makes it easier to see the cracks in the egg.
Then he used a pinch of modeling clay to place gently on top and plug up the hole.
By the way, the beaker made the perfect stand to keep the egg upright too.
He put the egg in the freezer for a couple of hours and it’s a fun reminder to see what happens when water sweeps into the cracks of rocks and freezes at night.
We know ice takes up more space, so it pushes against the rock forcing cracks wider.
HOW DOES THE WEATHER SHAPE THE LAND
Then during the day when it’s warmer, ice thaws and becomes water only to freeze again if it gets colder.
Over time bits of rock may fall off and this causes piles of broken rocks called scree gather at the foot of rocky cliffs.
This powerful force is observed in the egg. When the water expanded, it cracks the egg.
Mountain slopes are constantly changing and shaped by the thawing and freezing of water and I think your kids will love learning about how weather affects the land.
Also, if you’re on a hands-on activity roll like we are, grab some other ideas.
- Day 1: Make a Hair Hygrometer,
- Day 2: Desert Sand Art,
- Day 3: Make Zopf (Swiss Style Bread),
- Day 4: Exploring Edible Cactus (Learning about the Desert),
- How to Build the Alamo: Day 5 Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study) and
- Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning and
- 365 Days Hands-On Homeschool Activities – One for EVERY Day of the Year
Hugs and love ya,
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I haven’t seen this done before! I love it. We are so trying it!
You know me Marci, it has to be simple for science or my kid (uhm I mean, I) get lost..lol
Thank you for this! What a great idea, and it uses items we already have handy. I’ll have to try it! (We even have little beakers, ha ha ha!)
Isn’t that simple but powerful..and well those little beakers are just too cute for science..lol
Thank you for this great idea! Nice and simple, and uses items we already have handy. I’ll totaly try this (we have have little beakers, ha ha ha!)