Frosty Glasses

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In this activity, learners explore why frost forms. They create their own frost using a solution of ice water and salt in a glass. The salt allows the temperature of the water to drop below the normal freezing point, so that water vapor in the air turns directly into solid ice on the surface of the glass.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Clear plastic cup or glass
  • Ice
  • Tap water
  • Paper Towel
  • 4 table spoons of salt (rock salt works best)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
      • Gases
      • Changes of Phase

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009