Facts about Ice

Last week, we dedicated our time to expressing gratitude for items and experiences that start with the letter H. This week, we invite you to contribute by sharing what you are thankful for that begins with the letter I. Your responses can create a wonderful atmosphere of appreciation and reflection as we continue this meaningful practice together.

I’m feeling thankful for ice today! It’s such a simple yet refreshing pleasure. What about you? What’s something you’re grateful for that starts with the letter “I”?

❄️ Ice, Ice, Fascinating! The Cool Story Behind Nature’s Crystal

It’s cold, it’s slippery, and it can turn your lemonade into a summertime masterpiece. But did you know ice is also full of surprises? From floating on water to falling from the sky, ice is one of nature’s coolest tricks.

Let’s crack the surface and explore the wonders of ice!

🧊 What Is Ice, Anyway?

At its core, ice is simply frozen water—but it’s not just cold. It’s a scientific shapeshifter!

• Water freezes at 32°F (0°C), locking molecules into neat, rigid patterns.
• These patterns form crystals, which is why snowflakes and frost have such amazing shapes.

And here's a fun twist: ice floats because it’s less dense than water. That’s why glaciers can sail across the ocean like frozen ships!

🗿 Ice in the Wild

• Glaciers are giant rivers of ice that move veeery slowly and shape entire landscapes. They’ve carved valleys, built lakes, and even helped create the Great Lakes!
• Icebergs are giant chunks of glacier ice that break off and float in the sea. The tip you see? Only about 10% of the iceberg is visible; most of it hides underwater!
• In cold climates, animals like polar bears and penguins rely on ice to rest, hunt, and raise their young.

❄️ Weird and Wonderful Ice Facts

• Antarctica holds about 90% of the world’s ice and 70% of its freshwater.
• The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6°F in Antarctica!
• There’s ice on Mars, and even on the Moon in shady craters.

Oh, and some lakes freeze from the top down, while volcanic ice caves hide frozen wonders beneath the surface!

🧪 Ice Experiments at Home

Want to explore ice science for yourself?

• Try freezing colored water in shapes, and watch the crystal patterns!
• Sprinkle salt on ice and see how it melts faster, hello, chemistry!
• Make “ice balloons” by freezing water in a balloon, then peel and admire your icy globe.

Perfect for winter fun or hot summer science.

There are many things for which to be thankful! Expressing gratitude benefits your well-being and brings happiness to both you and others. So, always remember to practice gratitude! 

Next week, we’ll come together to celebrate the beauty of everything that begins with the letter J! It’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on and express our gratitude for both the simple joys and the intriguing wonders in our lives. Let’s embrace and appreciate the lovely things that this special letter brings us, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all.

Get your cool ice worksheet right here!

🧊 I Is for Ice: “Ice Cube Discovery Lab”

Kids will explore how ice melts, reacts, and reveals surprises, all while learning to appreciate temperature, patience, and hidden wonders!

🧪 What You’ll Need:

• Ice cube tray
• Small objects (beads, buttons, paper notes, tiny toys)
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Salt, warm water, and droppers or spoons
• Paper towels or a shallow dish

🔍 Activity Instructions:

1. Prep the cubes:
   Fill an ice cube tray with water. Drop a small item or note into each cube. Add food coloring if desired. Freeze overnight.

2. Set up the lab:
   Place the colorful ice cubes into a shallow tray. Give kids salt, warm water, and droppers to start melting.

3. Let the discovery begin!
   Encourage kids to guess what's inside before they melt each cube. Watch how salt and warm water affect the melting speed.

4. Gratitude twist:

   • Include “hidden gratitude notes” in some cubes, like:
     “I’m thankful for sunshine.”
     “Ice cream with friends.”
     “Snowy snuggles.”
   • After finding the notes, ask: What cool things are YOU thankful for?

❄️ Bonus Ideas:

• Create a printable “Ice Discovery Tracker” with prediction and reflection boxes.
• Talk about polar animals, snowflakes, or the power of temperature.
• Ask: If kindness were frozen in time, what would it look like as it melts into the world?

Books about ice and snow:

1. The Story of Snow: by Jon Nelson, Ph.D

2. The Magic of Friendship Snow by Andi Cann

3. Melting and Freezing by Lisa Greathouse

4. Ice Is Nice! All About the North and South Poles by Bonnie Worth

5. Ice Bear: Read and Wonder: by Nicola Davies

6. Icebergs & Glaciers: by Seymour Simon

Parents, please ensure that the books you read to your child are child-friendly.

Return to the Alphabet Hub!