Sci Fri: Ice-cavating

In layers of ice that are currently melting, explorers and scientists are making discoveries about the past. Since extreme cold has the power to preserve organic materials, human, animal and plant remains are helping unearth parts of history.

By taking some Schleich animals (that would be relations of the Ice Age animals; elephants, bears, elk) and freezing them in blocks of water, we were able to challenge ourselves to find the most effective method of melting ice.

 

 The frozen blocks were displayed on the table, when I asked the kids to brainstorm ways to get to the animal inside:
suck it, hammer it, warm water, sunshine, rub it, friction, salt, screwdriver, bite it, hot air...
Then they each chose a block and got to work experimenting with methods.

 

 Scientists At Work

In the process of trial and error, they also discovered:
~hot water cracks ice
~salt cracks ice
~thicker the ice, the longer the melting time
~pots of hot water cool quickly with large blocks of ice submerged

 

I admit to not having much faith in this little picture book, but it is a great science story and doubles as a good read.
It takes you on the journey of Ice Boys life as he changes from one water form to the next; ice/solid, water/liquid, vapour/gas.

Plus Mr. M keeps repeating slapstick lines "Yo Mama was an icicle!" and  "Don't lick your brother."