What did the ice cube say after it melted?
“I used to be cool.“
Stay Cool with This Ice-Credible STEAM experiment!
Ice cubes don’t stay cool for long when the summer sun is blazing. But what surfaces keep them cool the longest?
Let’s find out!
First, decide on which surfaces you’ll test. Choose different ones around your home, like grass, sidewalks, asphalt driveways, wooden decks, mulch, a metal patio table, or a shady spot.
Next, write down some predictions. Questions you might ask include:
- Which surface will melt the ice cube the fastest?
- Which will keep it frozen the longest?
- How long will it take to melt completely on each surface?
Now it’s time to gather your materials.
What You’ll Need
- Ice cubes, one for each surface you’ll test, all about the same size
- A timer or stopwatch
- A notebook or piece of paper
Then, head outside and get started.
The Experiment
- Place one ice cube on each surface at the same time.
- Start your timer.
- Check the ice cubes every few minutes and record what you observe.
Which one melts first? Which one keeps its cool the longest?
Were your predictions correct?
What surprised you?
Why does it happen?
Not all surfaces absorb and hold heat the same way.
Dark surfaces, like asphalt, soak up more of the sun’s energy and become much hotter than lighter or natural surfaces. (This is a good thing to keep in mind when walking outside with bare feet… or paws!)
Grass often stays cooler because plants contain water and release moisture into the air, helping to cool the ground around them. That’s one reason a walk through the forest feels much cooler than crossing a parking lot on a hot summer day!
Isn’t it ice to learn something new?
Share Your Results
Let’s see your ice cubes – or puddles! Use #muddysneakersnc on social media to show the Great Ice Cube Melt Race in action at your home or school.