Colored Ice

In this activity, you and your child will explore ice and water and their sensory properties.

Learning Area(s): Science; Physical Development

MATERIALS

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• Tray of ice cubes (colored with food dye or Kool-Aid)
• Small tub of water
• Plastic Arctic animals or sea life (optional)
• Small net or strainer with handle (optional)
• Mat or towel (if indoors)

LET'S PLAY

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This activity is best done outside where water can spill, but if inside, place a towel or waterproof mat on the floor.

Your baby or toddler can sit next to the tub and watch as you put two or three ice cubes in the water. You can identify their colors as you show your child the ice cubes. Your child will most likely try to grab the ice and will feel its slippery texture and cold temperature. Encourage your child to explore the ice with her hands, and talk about how the ice feels—slippery, cold, and smooth.

As the ice begins to melt, draw your child’s attention to what is happening—that the ice is melting and getting smaller and the water is changing color.