Science Challenge

Get involved in our January Science Challenge - Make your own Frost 

Science Challenge - Make your own Frost 

*You will need adult help for this*

Resources:

• A clean and empty tin can (ask an adult to help with this, as tin cans can be sharp!)
• Crushed ice
• Water
• Salt
• Timer

Instructions:

1. Fill the tin can about half full with crushed ice (do this with an adult).
2. Add a little bit of water and two tablespoons of salt (you can add more if you need to).
3. Using a timer, time how long it takes for the frost to appear on the tin.

How long does the frost take to form on the tin? Try using cubes of ice instead of crushed ice. Can you predict which type of ice will make the frost form faster?

Please send a photo on Class Dojo to your teacher. All entries will receive a sticker.

The Science

Salt lowers the freezing point of ice, making it melt. To do this, it draws heat from the surroundings, making them even colder. The salt reduces the temperature on the surface of the can to below freezing point. This makes the water vapour in the air condense and freeze on the can.

Science of the Month: Ice

Choose one of the following topics to investigate:

1. Can you find out 5 facts about ice?
   Here is one to get you started...  Fresh water freezes at zero degrees Celsius.

2. Find out why salt melts ice.

3. Find out the name, size and location of the world's biggest glacier. 

You can also download our Science Challenge as a PDF.

• Science Challenge January (PDF)