Phase Change
Properties of Matter
Instant Snow
Enrichment Activity for 5-11 11-14
- Level Elementary
What you need
- Filtered water
- Plastic water bottles
- Freezer
Instructions
- Fill two plastic water bottles with filtered water and leave them on their sides in the freezer.
- After two to three hours take one bottle out to test it. Slam it on the counter once and see if anything changes.
Results and Explanation
You should see crystals of ice form at the top of the bottle and flurry downwards quickly.
Supercooled water is water that is liquid below its freezing point. When you slam the bottle it causes ice crystals to move and others to grow in a chain reaction.
These experiments have not been specifically safety tested for home use but we believe them to be safe if the instructions are followed. Adult supervision or direction is recommended as appropriate. All experiments are carried out at your own risk.
