Ice beads
Create strings of hanging ice decorations & explore the science of freezing & melting.
Introduction
Note: dressing in reindeer onesie is not compulsory 😉
Key Features
- Age Range All Ages
- Duration 3 - 4 Hours
- Location Anywhere
- Season Winter
- Time of Day Anytime
-
Categories:
Art & Creating
ice & snow
Curriculum Outdoors
Useful items 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:
Health & Safety Considerations
Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:
What you'll need
- water
- ice cube trays
- string
- Small natural objects - like berries, pebbles or shells
- food colouring
- small toys
- alternatives:
- lots of small pots
This activity has been provided by
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Step #1
Pour water in to your ice cube tray.
Step #2
Lay the string in and out of each of the ice cube cups. This can be a bit tricky - if it keeps floating up you may need to weigh the string down or angle it to stay in.
You could achieve this same effect by placing a number of vessels closely together and draping the string from one to another.
Step #3
Leave your trays outside to freeze, if it’s cold enough, or pop them in the freezer.
Step #4
Push your ice cubes out - they should hang together in a string.
Step #5
Make a loop at one end of your string, to hang in a tree or bush, or drape it like tinsel.
Take it further:
- place natural materials in the water before freezing or pop in a small toy
- try different sizes or different-shaped ice cube trays
- instead of ice cube trays try placing a number of vessels closely together and draping the string from one to another. Experiment with different sizes and shapes
- instead of ice cube trays make different shapes using clay, plasticine or similar mouldable material. Mould into any shape, ensuring it will hold the water, i.e. a star, then lay your string through the water, and freeze
- try a few drops of food colouring in the water – what happens to the ice?
- do this activity in summer, using a freezer, and see how fast your strings of ice melt.
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.