Love simple science experiments? YES!! Well, here’s another one the kids are sure to love! Explore the freezing point of water and discover what happens when you freeze salt water. All you need are some bowls of water and salt. We love easy science experiments for kids!
Easy Science for Kids
This simple freezing water experiment is great for learning about the freezing temperature of water, and how that compares to salt water.
Our science experiments have you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, and quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and are fun! Our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home.
Check out our favorite chemistry experiments and physics experiments!
Grab some salt and bowls of water (Suggestion – follow up this experiment with our ice melting experiment) and investigate how salt affects the freezing point of water!
Printable Science Resources
SCIENCE VOCABULARY
It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get kids started with a printable science vocabulary word list. You will want to incorporate these simple terms into your next science lesson! Also, check out these free science worksheets
WHAT IS A SCIENTIST
Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Scientists like you and me are also curious about the world around them. Read What Is A Scientist
SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS
Sometimes the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher approved!
SCIENCE PRACTICES
A new approach to teaching science is called the Best Science Practices. These eight science and engineering practices are less structured and allow for a more free**-**flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions.
Using the Scientific Method
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity. Sounds heavy…
What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should be used as a guide to help lead the process.
You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.
To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, click here.
Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…
This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!
Free printable freezing water science project!
Freezing Point of Water Experiment
Want more experiments with water? Check out 30 fun water experiments!
SUPPLIES:
- 2 Bowls
- Water
- Salt
- Spoon
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Label the bowls “Bowl 1” and “Bowl 2”.
STEP 2: Measure out 4 cups of water for each bowl.
STEP 3: Add 2 tablespoons of salt to bowl 2, a little at a time, stirring as you go.
STEP 4: Place both bowls in the freezer, check the bowls after a hour to see how they have changed.
Optional – use a thermometer to measure the water in both bowls.
STEP 5: Recheck them after 24 hours. What do you notice?
What is the Freezing Point of Water?
The freezing point of water is 0° Celsius / 32° Fahrenheit. But what temperature does salt water freeze at? If there is salt in the water, the freezing point is lower. The more salt there is in the water, the lower the freezing point will be and the longer the water will take to freeze.
What happens when water freezes? When fresh water freezes, water molecules of hydrogen and oxygen bind together, forming ice. Salt in the water makes it harder for the molecules to bind with the ice structure; basically, the salt gets in the way of the molecules, blocking them from joining the ice. This is an example of a physical change!
Also check out our states of matter experiments!
That’s why salt water takes longer to freeze. It is also why salt is sometimes used on icy roads to slow down freezing and make them safer to drive on.
More Fun Experiments to Try
- Make a floating drawing with our dry erase marker experiment.
- Blow up a balloon with just soda and salt in this soda balloon experiment.
- Make a homemade lava lamp with salt.
- Learn about osmosis when you try this fun potato osmosis experiment with the kids.
- Explore sound and vibrations when you try this fun dancing sprinkles experiment.
- Grab some marbles to use with this easy viscosity experiment.
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!
- 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
- Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
- Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
- Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
- My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
- Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
- Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
