Hot Stuff!: Testing Ice

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In this demonstration, learners compare and contrast regular water ice to dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide). Both samples are placed in a solution of acid-base indicator. The regular ice floats and the acid-base indicator does not change color; the dry ice sinks and the acid-base indicator changes color to show an acid solution has formed. This demonstration is part of a set of demonstrations and activities that can be used together for a larger lesson. Resource contains vocabulary definitions and suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 medium-size beakers, each half full of bromothymol blue (BTB) solution (solution = 6 drops per 1/3 cup water)
  • 1-2 small pieces of ice (cubes)
  • 1-2 small pieces of dry ice
  • Hot Stuff! Activity 1 Worksheets

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Environmental Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Acids and Bases
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Changes of Phase

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Kolenbrander, Amy ; Yowell, Janet ; Mach, Natalie ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise ; Kotys-Schwartz, Daria

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004

Funding Sources:

  • Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • National Science Foundation, 0226322