Ice Cube Painting

[30 Minutes]

Science and art combine in this activity from your kitchen. Your child can explore colors and the concepts of freezing and melting.

You'll need:

• ice cube trays • small pitcher or measuring cup • food coloring • craft (Popsicle) sticks (optional) • paper • newspaper

What to do:

1. Invite your child to make ice cube "crayons" by pouring water into six ice cube sections.
2. Help her add 8-12 drops of red, yellow, and blue food coloring so that there will be two cubes of each color.
3. If you wish, place craft sticks into each section as "handles". Place the tray in the freezer overnight.
4. Let your child help you cover the table with newspaper and to place a sheet of paper on top.
5. Offer her the ice cube crayons and let her color with them on the paper. Encourage your child to use one color on top of the other and to notice the results.
6. For added investigation, suggest that your child place a colored ice cube into a glass of water and to observe the results.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What happened when you colored with the ice cubes? What did you see when you colored with two different colors?
• Do you know of other things that can freeze and melt?

Useful information:

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