Okay, I’m just going to say it: I am done with single digit temperatures! (And the windchills below zero.)
With the temperatures down so low, we decided to do a couple experiments with freezing water. Winter science is a great way to avoid cabin fever!
Winter Science Experiments
For our first experiment we carefully measured out 1 cup of water into 3 separate containers.
We placed one container in the refrigerator. (Sometimes the kids’ piddly amounts of water will freeze if they put their cup towards the back, so we wanted to test this out.)
We put another container in the freezer, and we stuck one container outside on the porch.
The I asked the kids which container would freeze the fastest. Knowing how cold it is outside right now, with below zero windchill factors, they went with the one outside. Smart kids!
We checked our containers every 10-15 minutes.
After an hour, the water in the refrigerator was very cold, but not frozen.
The one on the porch was almost completely solid; the one in the freezer had a few more water bubbles in it.
Since the windchill is really the factor right now, we did one more experiment.
I got out 2 old kitchen washcloths and got them wet.
We put one wet washcloth in the freezer and hung one over the porch rail outside.
Within 5 minutes the one on the porch was frozen! 
The kids were fascinated by how it held the shape of the rail it had been hanging on. The one in the freezer was not frozen yet.
By then this mommy was finished with going outside to check on our winter experiments; it was time for hot chocolate for everyone!
For more fun experiments:
Sabrina @ Hiccups in my Hair says
I have a toddler and I would love to do this with him! Great idea to teach about temperature.
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Donna DM Yates says
Oh, now, that’s cold! Brrr.
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Susen says
Cool experiement, no pun intended! We did 2 ice projects over this past week. One was taking a paper plate and putting in some shrubbery, sticks and a piece of yarn filling plate with water and left it outside to freeze. Popped it out and had a beautiful ‘ice ornament’ that we hung outside. We also make an indoor ice hockey game on a baking sheet. You can check it out here….http://dabblingmomma.blogspot.com/2014/01/ice-hockey-on-baking-sheet.html
Stay warm!!
OneMommy says
I have been wanting to make ice ornaments; I think this might be the week to try them! Can’t wait to check out the ice hockey!
Chris Carter says
Yeah… I am getting oh so tired of all this snow and single digits TOO. ugh. What a winter we are having!!! I will do some experiment like this in the next few days, as I’m sure they will be home from school…
Can anyone say -20? OhMyGosh! That cup of water will crystallize before we close the door!
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OneMommy says
Seriously! We’ve had 10 snow days, and I kept her home one more day b/c of the weather because our road was completely covered and then the next road I got on was covered, and I just didn’t want to risk it.
I’m hoping the state decides not to have us make up all the missed days. Blah! Go away winter!
Julia says
What a great experiment for this cold weather!
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Rosey says
I wanted to try throwing water in the really cold weather to see if it would turn to snow, but never did do it. I think I might before winter is over. :0
Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync!
OneMommy says
You know, my mom was just saying that the other day! I’m thinking if the windchill goes down below zero again I may try it!