Engaging the Public

 

Resources

Solids: Snowflakes and Bubbles

Supports National Curriculum, Key Stages 1 and 2, Units 4D, 5C and 5D
Suitable for years 4, 5 and 6

The time for the session is approximately 1 hour. The length of the session can be varied by modifying the PowerPoint presentation once downloaded.

Outline of content

Aims to:

  • establish what the children already know, using a demonstration
  • explain differences between solids and liquids (different materials change from liquid to solid at different temperatures)
  • solids remember how they grew
  • there are two types of frozen water, formed in different ways: a) snow and b) ice
  • a) formation of snowflakes using an on-line computer simulation
  • b) formation of (close packed) crystalline solids using a game and bubble rafts
  • bubbles are very different to either water or air because they are a sandwich
  • special solids can be grown using MB (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) which are used in computer chips etc.


Points to note:

Please read the notes about risks and agree the assessment with the teacher before the session!


Cross References

  • The slides in the PowerPoint presentation are referenced in the plan.
  • As the presentation may be running throughout the session some simple slides provide a suitable background, alternatively switch to a black screen.
  • Apparatus details are linked to the relevant sections.
  • Notes about safety are included with the actitivties.
  • Vocabulary: The presentation uses expressions included in the KS 1&2 strategies  
  • (NB. It also uses terms not introduced until KS 3.)


Misconceptions to be corrected

  • Crystal surfaces are not formed naturally.
  • Ice, snow and water are different materials.
  • Solids such as crystals cannot be melted.
  • Freezing and melting are not reversible.
  • Children often confuse melting and dissolving. This presentation explains melting.


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Artwork | Image by Fred Swist