During this month’s inquiry lessons we explored how states of matter can change if you add or remove heat.

First we learned how to read a thermometer. We did a temperature exploration where we measured the temperature of a cup of water. We added ice cubes and watched the temperature drop. Then I poured in hot water and we watched the temperature rise.

Next, we predicted what would happen if we put liquid (water and fruit punch) in the fridge and freezer.  Then we observed and recorded our results.  We predicted that the liquid in the freezer would change to a solid, so we poured juice into dixie cups with popsicle sticks in the hopes of making popsicles. We were excited to eat our results!

Finally, we experimented with adding heat to solids to see if they change their state of matter.  We used a double boiler to add heat to an ice marshmallow, some gummy bears, and some chocolate.  All three solids melted to liquid.  Then we melted some more chocolate and put it in pumpkin shaped molds.  We removed the chocolate from the heat and the chocolate returned to a solid state for us to enjoy. Yum!