Giant ice marbles

A fun winter activity for children - create your own giant, multi-coloured, frozen orbs!

Introduction

'Go Big' with this simple ice exploration activity that looks great too!

Use as a provocation - 'Could they be giant ice eggs laid by the giant ice bird?'

You can do this activity in warm weather too - if you have access to a freezer - which gives you a whole range of other observation opportunities.

Many thanks to Gren for the photos!

What you'll need

balloons or containers
water
food colouring

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Stainless Steel Bowl

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

leave no trace

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

dress up warm

Step #1

Fill the balloons with water.

Step #2

Add a few drops of food colouring.

Step #3

Tie up the ends and leave the balloons outside to freeze (or bob them in the freezer).

Alternative method

Fill two identical bowls with water to the same level and leave to freeze.

When you take them out, pour cold running water over them and stick the two halves together.

If this is difficult the frozen half bowls are actually easier to observe as they don't roll around!

Step #4

Once frozen, cut off the balloons and throw them away.

Ta-dahhhh! Giant ice marbles!

Take it further:

place the ice marbles around your garden or outdoor space for decoration
try playing marbles with them
consider these questions:
How long does it take for different-sized spheres to freeze?
What happens as they start to melt?
make ice marbles in the summer, in your freezer, and play lawn bowls with them.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.