CRYSTAL POPS

Language with science

freeze, frozen, crystals, popsicle, liquid, solid, handle, melt, dissolve, cold, colder, hard

Encourage the children to think of their own words that tell what is happening to the popsicles.

Things you will need

• paper cups
• popsicle sticks
• water
• fruit juice
• a freezer

What to do

1. Have the children mix water with a can of frozen juice. Pour the mixture into small paper cups (3 oz). Place the filled cups on a tray, then put them in the freezer. Also freeze a cup ofwater.
2. Look at the mixture about every 15 minutes. Talk with the children. Encourage them to describe what they see.
3. When the mixture starts to harden, remove the cups from the freezer and have the children place a popsicle stick handle into each cup.
4. Put the cups back into the freezer. Be sure to let the children see the crystals that are starting to form. Continue to check on the progress, talking about the changes that are occurring.
5. When the juice has frozen, remove the cups and give one to each child. Have the children peel the paper cup away from the popsicle. Observe the frozen crystals. Talk about the designs you see.Have a bite. As the children enjoy the treat, show them the water popsicle and talk with them about differences and similarities they notice. How did the water change when juice was added. What doyou think will happen to your crystal popsicle if you don't eat it?

Want to do more?

Try freezing other edible liquids. Compare the different crystal patterns. Freeze bananas and grapes. Talk about similarities and differences. What happens when popsicles or fruit thaw? Are theythe same or have they changed?