Science Smarts: Freeze

By Patty Rooks on December 6, 2025.

I have appreciated the break in the weather the past few days. The cold snap on the weekend was a bit of an eye opener that winter is officially here! Of course, with the melting and freezing, it has created some slippery conditions out there. I know I went for a bit of a slip the other day – do not worry, I survived, but those that were with me had a good chuckle as I went sliding into my car with my feet moving about a hundred miles an hour out from under me. As you all know too well, when something happens, I have to investigate it further, so this week, we will look at ICE. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Piece of string

• Salt

• Glass of cold water

• Ice cubes

Procedure

1. Place the ice cube in the glass of water

2. Take one end of the string and place it on the ice cube.

3. Sprinkle the ice cube with salt.

4. Wait 10 seconds.

5. Lift the string up.

6. Observe.

What is going on?

Water is an amazing substance. It can do so many things – it can be a liquid, solid and even a gas. This time of the year, the solid form is what is causing me concern! Did you know that water usually freezes at 0º C? Water with salt in it will not freeze until it is colder than 0º C.

This is why when you add the salt to the ice cube, it melts some of the ice. When clean water from the glass was washed over the cube, it refroze and trapped the string. Pretty cool “trick” to show others!

Do not forget about the Science Fair Button Contest. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 1, 2026! Visit the our website or the following link for details: https://praxisscienceconnection.wordpress.com/2025/10/30/southeast-alberta-regional-science-fair-button-design-contest/

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis has moved! We are very fortunate to be located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.

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