How to Pick Up Ice with a String

Here is another 3 minute science experiment using a handful of items you likely already have at home. Let’s go ice fishing! Only this time we are going to pick up a piece (or two) of ice with a string.

It doesn’t seem possible, but it is. As long as you have the special ingredient.

Enjoy!

How to Pick Up Ice with String Video

How to Pick Up Ice with a String Science Experiment

Supplies Needed

• Empty Glass or Bowl
• 5-6 Pieces of Ice
• 1/2 Cup Water
• Piece of String
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Put 5-6 pieces of ice into an empty glass or bowl.

Step 2 – Next, add the water into the glass.

Step 3 – Try to use the string to pick up a piece of ice. You will find that it isn’t possible.

Step 4 – Next, lay the piece of string over the ice.

Step 5 – Sprinkle the salt over the string and wait for a minute.

Step 6 – After a minute has passed, pick up the string and watch what happens.

How Does the Experiment Work?

When the salt comes into contact with the ice, it causes the ice to melt a little. The ice then quickly refreezes around the string. This causes the ice to stick to the string when it is pulled out of the glass.

This same concept is used when you add salt to your driveway or sidewalk during the winter. The salt changes the freezing point of water and causes ice to melt so you can more easily remove it.

I hope you enjoyed the experiment.  Here’s some printable instructions

How to Pick Up Ice with a String Experiment

Print

Materials

• Empty Glass or Bowl
• 5-6 Pieces of Ice
• 1/2 Cup Water
• Piece of String
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. Put 5-6 pieces of ice into an empty glass or bowl.
2. Next, add the water into the glass.
3. Try to use the string to pick up a piece of ice. You will find that it isn’t possible.
4. Next, lay the piece of string over the ice.
5. Sprinkle the salt over the string and wait for a minute.
6. After a minute has passed, pick up the string and watch what happens.