Materials
Bucket or water table Filled water balloons or milk cartons
Freezer Scissors
Large bowl Water
Arctic play animals such as seals, beluga, walrus, humpback and orca whales, polar bears, etc.Plastic sheet magnifiers
Instructions
1. Discuss the type of environment in which such animals as seals, polar bears and walrusesare found. Tell the children that you will be turning the water table into an Arctic zone for theday, complete with icebergs and animals.
2. Fill jugs or balloons with water and freeze six to eight hours.
3. Cut the balloons or jugs away from the ice.
4. Place the ice in a water table or bucket with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup (125 ml to 175 ml) of warmwater along with the animals.
5. Allow the children to play with the ice.
6. Discuss how the ice changes as it melts.
7. Add magnifiers for close-up observation of the changes in the ice.More to doArt: Use old markers on a tray of ice to create a unique coloring pad. As the ice mlts it clearsa new coloring area for the next designer.Dramatic play: Put winter clothing such as mittens,coat, sled, hats, boots, etc., in the dramatic playarea.More science: Use shallow trays and freeze water in them for three to six hours.Remove the trays and place them onto a towel on a tabletop. Apply a few pieces of rock salt tocreate holes and begin the melting process. Be sure children do not eat the rock salt.Outdoors: Watch the weather outside and take a walk, sled or build with ice and snow, if possible.Sand and water table: Use snow in the water table with ice to enhance the winter effect.
