DIY: Making Icicles | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Making Icicles

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Greater than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Would you believe that water drops can turn to ice the instant they fall? While it sounds like magic, it's actually based on scientific principles. In this instant-freezing experiment, we'll use ice, water, and salt - it's that simple. Get ready to witness this scientific miracle!

Materials Needed

A bowl of ice cubes
Salt
One bottle of distilled water

A top-down view of ingredients arranged on a light wood surface. A clear bowl of ice cubes is on the left, a small glass pitcher with a wooden handle containing a white liquid (presumably milk or cream) is in the center, and a plastic bottle of water is on the right. These items appear ready for preparing a cold beverage.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Pour 50 grams of salt over the ice cubes.

A hand pours a white powder, likely baking soda or a similar substance, from a clear glass measuring cup with a wooden handle into a clear bowl filled with ice cubes. The process is taking place on a light wooden table or countertop. This image suggests a step in a science experiment or the preparation of a cold beverage or other recipe.

Step 2

Place the bottled distilled water among the ice cubes and wait patiently for 45 minutes.

A small, clear plastic bottle of water rests on a mound of ice cubes in a clear glass bowl. The bowl and bottle are on a light wood surface. Condensation is visible on the bottle, indicating it is cold. This image likely depicts a method for quickly chilling a bottle of water.

Step 3

After 45 minutes, remove the water bottle from the bowl.

A hand holds a clear plastic bottle, partially filled with a clear liquid, and places it into a clear glass bowl filled with ice water and ice cubes. The bottle is being submerged into the icy water to cool its contents. The background is a light wooden surface.

Step 4

Place a few ice cubes on a plate.

Two ice cubes sit on a pale green surface. They are slightly melting, as evidenced by the glistening surfaces. The surface underneath appears to have small, dark speckles.

Step 5

Carefully and slowly pour the chilled water over the ice cubes. Watch the magic happen!

Close-up of two melting ice cubes on a pale green surface. A small amount of meltwater has pooled around the bases of the cubes. The surface beneath them has small, dark speckles. One ice cube is more irregularly shaped, possibly due to faster melting or a previous break.

The Science Behind It:

For water to freeze, water molecules need to find a suitable location or surface to begin crystallisation - these are called nucleation points (tiny impurities in the water, bubbles, or uneven surfaces of containers). However, when water is very pure, ice crystals struggle to form, allowing the water to remain liquid below 0°C - this is called "supercooled water". When this supercooled water is disturbed, such as by encountering ice cubes or receiving an impact, it freezes instantly!

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.