Frozen Picture

[90 Minutes]

Invite your child to explore the properties of water and ice with this fascinating activity!

You'll need:

• small picture (such as an animal cut from a magazine or greeting card) • pie pan • water • nail • string • pot holder

What to do:

1. Invite your child to cut or tear a small picture from a magazine or old greeting card. Or, she can draw a picture.
2. Let her place the picture in a pie pan and cover it with water.
3. Then, set the pan in the freezer or outdoors on a cold day until it freezes solid.
4. Explore the ice with your child.
5. Ask your child, "How does the ice look? Does it have a smell? A taste? How does ice feel?"
6. Encourage her to poke a hole through the frozen picture with a heated nail. Don't forget to use a pot holder to hold the nail.
7. Invite her to thread string into the hole and hang up the frozen picture.
8. She will enjoy watching the picture appear as the ice melts and drips. Place a pan underneath to collect the water.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What happens to the picture when you freeze it?
• Where shall we hang the frozen picture?
• Have you ever tried to walk on an icy sidewalk? What happened?
• How is ice melted when it forms on sidewalks and streets?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop science concepts and an understanding of cause and effect.