Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Why Does Ice Float in Water?
Provided by: TED-Ed |Published on: August 6, 2021
Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12
Synopsis
- This brief video describes the unique properties of water molecules and the reason for a less dense solid structure (ice), as compared to the liquid form.
- Students will learn about hydrogen bonds, how temperature and kinetic energy affect those hydrogen bonds in water molecules, and the importance of water and floating ice to all life on Earth.
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors:
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video provides nice animations showing how water molecules move at different temperatures and how they bond with other water molecules.
- It also does a good job of connecting the importance of less-dense ice for living systems.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with some basic chemistry concepts including atomic structure, polarity, and bonding.
Differentiation
- This is a great resource to tie into lessons on the water cycle and the amplification of the water cycle due to increases in global temperatures.
- It could also be a great segway into how the reduced albedo effect from melting ice caps and glaciers is accelerating climate change, particularly in polar regions.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
