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ActivitiesScience Activities5th Grade Science Activities5th Grade Engineering and

Science Inquiry Activities5th Grade Science Projects Activities

Activity
Ice Melting

Have you ever watched an ice cube melt? The process of water contracting
and expanding as it freezes and melts is a fascinating one. Perhaps you’ve
noticed that the ice cubes in drinks melt faster if they are one shape rather
than the other. Does it really make a difference what shape the ice cube is?
The surface area of an ice cube takes on heat from the room, assuming the
room is above freezing, and causes the ice to melt. How can you make an ice
cube melt faster? How can you make it melt more slowly?

Problem:
Will the shape of an ice cube impact how fast the ice melts?

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Grade:
Fifth Grade
Subjects:
ScienceEngineering and Science InquiryScience Projects

Materials:
 Cube-shaped ice tray
 Crescent-shaped ice tray
 Rectangle-shaped ice tray
 Tablespoon
 3 clear plastic cups
 Small clock with minute and second hands
 Notebook
 Pen

Procedure:
1. Measure 2 tablespoons of water into each ice tray. This will create 3
different types of ice cubes with the same amount of water, but
different shapes. You may want to make extras so you can try different
hypothesis.
2. Place the ice trays in the freezer and allow water to freeze for several
hours or overnight.
3. Line up three clear plastic cups on the table or counter. They should be
in a place where you can observe them easily.
4. Remove the ice from the freezer and place one of each shape of ice
cube into a plastic cup.
5. Think about what you know about surface area. What do you think will
happen if you create an ice cube that is flat and wide? Which ice cube
shape do you think will melt the quickest? Write down your hypothesis,
or what you think will happen during the experiment.
6. Keep track of the ice in five minute increments. Jot down in a notebook
how quickly each shape melts.
7. Write down the time it takes each ice cube to melt completely.

Results:
The larger the surface area of the ice cube the more heat it absorbs, so the
spherical ice cube will melt the slowest if it has the least surface area.

Why?
The shape of the rectangular ice cube is the flattest and has the most surface
area. This means that heat will be absorbed over a larger area and thus the
ice cube will melt faster. A crescent-shaped cube will melt the slowest.

The experiment proves that the amount of surface area makes the ice cube
melt faster, but what if you tried different ways to melt the ice cubes? Repeat
this experiment by trying techniques like melting the ice cubes in hot water.
Seek an adult’s help when using hot water. Do you think the results will vary?
Create a new hypothesis each time you try new techniques to melt the cubes
and see if you are right in what you’ve guessed. Once you’re finished, you’ll
be able to decide which ice cubes will keep your drinks cold the longest.

Disclaimer and Safety Precautions

Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational

purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or
representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible
or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of
such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and
renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition,
your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is
covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which
include limitations on Education.com's liability.

Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all
individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project
Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate
parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of
all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For
further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.

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 Learn Chinese: Shaved Ice Colors

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Worksheet

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