Ice Fishing Science Experiment - Little Bins for Little Hands (original) (raw)

Kids will love this fishing for ice cubes experiment that can be done no matter the temperature outside. Winter science doesn’t have to involve freezing cold temperatures or mountains of fluffy snow outside. Our easy ice cube fishing activity is perfect for at home or in the classroom.

Winter Science for Kids

The best part of this icy winter science experiment is that you don’t need ice fishing gear or a frozen lake to enjoy it! That means everyone can try it. Plus you have everything you need in the kitchen to get started.

This ice science experiment doesn’t have to be prepped beforehand (unless you do not have any ice cubes on hand). You could even make fun ice cubes with novelty ice cube trays.

Here are some more fun winter science ideas we have enjoyed…

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SUPPLIES:

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HOW TO SET UP THE ICE EXPERIMENT

Let’s get started with ice fishing winter science in the comfort of your warm home!

*Before you get into the entire experiment, have your kids attempt to use the string to fish for ice. What happens?

STEP 1. Add half a dozen ice cubes to a cup and fill with water.

STEP 2. Lay the string over an ice cube.

STEP 3. Sprinkle salt over the string and ice. Wait 30-60 seconds.

STEP 4. Gently pull the string. The ice should come along with it!

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Troubleshooting Your Ice Fishing Experiment

There are a couple of things to keep in the back of your mind while doing this ice fishing experiment. First, the time the string sits on the ice can make a difference. Experiment with different time increments.

Second, the amount of salt used can affect ice melting. Too much salt and the ice will melt too fast. Or if there is too little time on the ice, the string won’t have time to freeze to the cube! Measure the amounts of salt you use and compare.

ALSO CHECK OUT: What makes ice melt faster?

Turn your ice fishing activity into an easy experiment. Encourage your kids to come up with questions and dig deeper into this science project. For example…

salt and string with ice cube for ice fishing winter sciencePin

The Science of Ice Fishing

Why does everyone use salt to melt ice? Adding salt to ice will lower the ice’s melting point.

Salt causes a physical change by altering the properties and temperature of the ice cube. However, if the surrounding temperature is still freezing, the ice will re-freeze (reversible change) and freeze the string. Now you have ice fishing!

fun winter science project with ice cubes and stringPin

Use the Scientific Method

Follow these steps to incorporate the scientific method into the classic ice science experiment with salt, water, and ice cubes.

Learn more about the scientific method here.

First, formulate a clear hypothesis, such as predicting that adding salt to the ice will affect the melting rate and create “ice fishing.” Make an if-then statement.

If salt is added to the ice in the experiment, then the melting rate of the ice cubes will increase compared to the ice cubes without salt, and the string will stick to the ice cube.

Next, set up a controlled experiment by preparing identical ice cubes and placing them in separate containers filled with the same amount of water. Label one container as the control group with plain water and the other as the experimental group with salt water. Measure and record the initial conditions of both setups.

Then, add salt to the designated container and observe the impact on the ice cubes’ melting rate to create ice fishing. *You can also set up several containers to test the amount of salt needed for the ice fishing experiment.

Lastly, analyze the results, draw conclusions based on the evidence gathered, and reflect on whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted. This structured approach aligns with the scientific method, promoting a systematic and objective investigation of the ice fishing experiment.