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After making a batch of color-infused ice cubes to paint with, I thought, “Why not do something different with them?” Sure, letting the cubes melt into flowing water colors is artsy fun, but it isn’t the only thing the kids can do with cubes. Stacking them into towers or making mini forts combines art with science and math. Your child is the engineer, figuring out what patterns and structures allow the icy building to stand. At the same time he needs to predict what the ice will do (in terms of changing states of matter – i.e., melting). As the ice begins to melt, the structure will change. This means your child needs to make a few adjustments.
After making a batch of color-infused ice cubes to paint with, I thought, “Why not do something different with them?” Sure, letting the cubes melt into flowing water colors is artsy fun, but it isn’t the only thing the kids can do with cubes. Stacking them into towers or making mini forts combines art with science and math. Your child is the engineer, figuring out what patterns and structures allow the icy building to stand. At the same time he needs to predict what the ice will do (in terms of changing states of matter – i.e., melting). As the ice begins to melt, the structure will change. This means your child needs to make a few adjustments.
When he’s all done building he can move the cubes to
find the colorful prints left behind or just use them to create his own masterpiece!
Here’s What You’ll Need:
·
Water
·
Paper or cardboard
Here’s What to Do:
1. Drip
a few drops of food coloring into each compartment of the ice cube tray.
2. Carefully
mix water in. Pour it slowly or use a dropper so that the colors don’t spill.
3. Freeze
the cubes.
4. Pop
the ice out.
5. Place
a piece of thick paper or cardboard on a sturdy surface, such as a table.
6. Start
stacking! Your child can create any type of stack that he wants with his building blocks made from ice. Make a single
tower, a pyramid or a more elaborate piece of architecture. You can also freeze
different sizes or shapes of cubes (we used larger square cubes and standard-sized
ones).
Before the ice melts try out a few different building techniques. Alternate colors or size of ice.
Are you looking for more icy art? Follow my science
and art Pinterest board for ideas!
I tried something like this for ice painting but the food coloring stained our fingers (oops!) I think next time I'll use bigger ice trays and try the building too!
ReplyDeleteWe have the staining problem too (but eventually it washed off). I've tried frozen temperas and frozen colored chalk as well. But, I really like the bold colors of the food coloring. Thanks!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun project.
ReplyDeleteI need your help, can you spread Finn's story for me.
A 5 month old boy born with a heart condition had open heart surgery in April, he had complications and has been in the hospital ever since. Read more on facebook at Prayers for Finn
He really is the happiest baby & has won my heart.
I have put together an instagram auction to help raise money for his medical bills. @prayersforfinnauction #prayersforfinn
please post a photo of Finn and tag @prayersforfinnauction so that your readers can check it out. It will be June 25
AMAZING shops have come together in donations and now as bloggers its our responsibility to spread his awareness.
Thank you so much
xo, Michelle
http://rosetolife.com
This is such a great idea! Easy to do and lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's great in the summer when the ice melts!
DeleteThanks so much for sharing with the #pinitparty
ReplyDelete