Exploring Ice

Overview

This 50-minute hands-on session invites Primary 1 learners to discover the properties and changes of ice through interactive, play-based activities. Aligning with the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), the activities foster curiosity and scientific enquiry, linking to the “Planet Earth” experiences and outcomes (E&Os), particularly focusing on seasonal change and materials.

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Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes (E&Os)

• SCN 0-01a: I can use my senses to explore the world around me and can share my discoveries.
• SCN 0-12a: Through exploring and observing, I recognise that materials can be changed by heating and cooling.
• SCN 0-01b: I can share my observations, questions and ideas about my experiences in a variety of ways.

Curriculum Organisers

• Planet Earth: Seasonal change
• Materials and their properties

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Learning Intentions

• Understand the properties of ice and how it changes with temperature (melts into water).
• Use senses (touch, sight) to explore ice in different forms.
• Develop curiosity and vocabulary related to winter, ice, and changes in materials.
• Communicate ideas and questions about ice through play and discussion.

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Success Criteria

• Children can describe what happens to ice when it is left out at room temperature.
• Children can describe how ice feels and looks.
• Children take part in discussions/questions about ice and winter.
• Children show curiosity by experimenting and exploring ice with their senses.

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Resources Needed

• Several ice cubes (different shapes/sizes – cubes, spheres made in balloons, ice with leaves or small toys frozen inside).
• Bowls or trays to hold ice.
• Warm water in small jugs.
• Salt and small spoons.
• Magnifying glasses.
• Towels or cloths for cleaning up.
• Winter-themed storybook about ice/winter to share at the end (optional).
• Picture cards of winter scenes and ice in nature.

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather children on the carpet. Show images of winter ice in nature (icicles, frozen puddles, snow).
• Ask: “Have you ever touched ice? What do you think will happen if we hold it too long?”
• Introduce the task: “Today we’re going to be ice explorers!”

2. Hands-on Exploration Stations (30 minutes)

Divide children into 4 groups of 5 children, rotating every 7 minutes:

• Station 1: Ice Touch and Feel
  Children hold and explore different shapes of ice.
  Questions to ask: How does ice feel? Is it cold? Hard or soft? What happens when you hold it?

• Station 2: Melting Magic
  Children place ice cubes in bowls and observe as it melts. Use magnifying glasses to see water drops form.
  Prompt: What do you see happening? Where is the ice going?

• Station 3: Ice and Salt Experiment
  Children sprinkle a little salt on ice cubes, noting changes.
  Question: What happens to the ice when we use salt? Why do you think that is?

• Station 4: Frozen Treasure Hunt
  Children dig ice blocks with frozen objects inside (small toys or leaves), using warm water and hands to “free” items.
  Discussion: What is inside the ice? How can we get it out faster?

3. Group Discussion and Sharing (10 minutes)

• Regroup on carpet; children share discoveries from each station. Teacher helps vocabulary: melt, freeze, cold, water, ice, solid, liquid.
• Use storybook or picture cards to reinforce and connect their experience to winter in the wider world.

4. Reflection and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Ask children to draw or verbally share one thing they learned about ice.
• Record observations highlighting use of scientific vocabulary and curiosity.
• Assess engagement based on participation and ability to describe observations.

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Differentiation

• Provide additional sensory prompts or visual aids for children with additional support needs.
• Encourage more able learners to predict what will happen before experiments or to explain why changes occur.

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Extension Ideas

• Create an “Ice Museum” in the classroom with frozen objects for ongoing exploration.
• Use a simple thermometer to measure water temperature as ice melts, introducing basic measurement concepts.

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Notes for Teachers

• Ensure safety with wet areas—provide plenty of towels and encourage careful handling of water.
• Encourage language development by repeating new words and encouraging peer discussion.
• Take photographs of children’s activities for learning logs and to share with parents.

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This playful, sensory rich lesson encourages young learners to connect with the physical and scientific world in meaningful, memorable ways, fully grounded in the Curriculum for Excellence framework.