103-6: Describe the characteristics of the three states of water and predict…
Describe the characteristics of the three states of water and predict changes from one state to another (a lower-grade match).
The Prince Edward Island Science curriculum outcome 103-6 (Earth and Space Science: Water) for Grade 2 says: “Describe the characteristics of the three states of water and predict changes from one state to another (a lower-grade match).” These 2 Fieldbook units teach it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Prince Edward Island Science curriculum.
Winter Science at Home Grades K–5
Make frost on the outside of a can, race ice cubes with salt and sugar, lift an ice cube with a piece of string, and look inside a real snowflake. Three kitchen-table winter experiments that actually work, with the real science explained for grown-ups.
- Can you make frost in a can? 40 min
Children crush ice, pack it into two cans, add salt to one, and watch water and then frost appear on the outside. They finish able to explain that the water and frost came out of the air, not through the can.
- Why does salt melt ice? 40 min
Children race three ice cubes covered in salt, sugar and nothing, then use a pinch of salt to lift an ice cube out of a glass with a piece of string. They finish able to explain that salt melts ice by mixing into the water, and that it makes the ice colder, not warmer.
- What's inside a snowflake? 45 min on a snowy day, or 40 min plus overnight without snow
Children catch falling snowflakes on a chilled dark cloth and look at them with a magnifier, or, with no snow, look at freezer frost and grow crystals on a pipe-cleaner snowflake overnight. They finish able to explain that a snowflake is an ice crystal grown from water vapour, and why it has six sides.
Solids, Liquids and Gases Grade 5
Where does a puddle go? Why does ice float? A first look at the tiny particles that explain the stuff around us.
- Where does a puddle go? 50–60 min
Teams race wet paper towels in still air, in wind, in a warm spot and under a cup to find out what makes water disappear faster. They catch the 'missing' water on the inside of the cup and explain evaporation with particles.
- Why does ice float? 50–60 min
Students compare water before and after freezing: same weight, but more space. They float a block of ice, measure how much sticks out, and use particles to explain why lakes freeze from the top down and fish survive the winter.
More Prince Edward Island Grade 2 science outcomes we teach
Every Prince Edward Island Grade 2 science curriculum outcome we teach
Every unit matched to Prince Edward Island's curriculum · All places and curricula
Three full lessons, free
Make a free account and download any three Fieldbook lessons as printable PDFs. No card needed.