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in Science Experiments· Winter STEM Activities

How to Make Instant Ice in 5 Seconds

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Did you know you can learn how to make instant ice in 5 seconds? It’s true! There is such a thing as instant ice. But it’s not magic, it’s just science!

The instant ice science experiment is a super fun science demonstration that kids of all ages will love. It’s one of our favorite winter STEM activities that we repeat year after year!

Want to know how to make ice in 5 seconds or less? The instant ice science experiment has the secrets! This super fun winter science experiment is a blast for kids. #stemactivities #stemed #winteractivities #scienceexperiments

Read on to learn how to make your very own instant ice tower!

Instant Ice Science

instant ice science experiment

There are a lot of instant ice tutorials online and instant ice is a common edition in magic shows.

But of course, it’s not magic that makes the ice form, but science. The secret to instant ice is simply nucleation.

winter STEM challenge cards

How to turn water into ice instantly

how to make ice in five seconds

Nucleation is a process by which one small action starts a chain reaction.

Bottled water is free of impurities. This is the secret to the instant ice experiment.

Because bottled water doesn’t have any particles to start the nucleation process, the water can cool to less than zero degrees Fahrenheit before ice crystals form.

But, once you introduce a crystal particle, the nucleation process begins and ice crystals form in the water.

how to make instant ice

Basically, when you freeze purified water, it is suspended in an almost-ice state until something triggers the nucleation process.

When you hit the bottled water, the water molecules bounce off of one another, forming instant ice crystals.

If you’re in a rush, these are our favorite weather science kits.

Instant Ice Science Questions

instant ice tower

Here are some questions you can ask that will transform this science demonstration into a science experiment.

  • What was the optimum temperature of the water?
  • How long did the reaction last?
  • How long did it take the water to reach the instant ice stage?
  • Will the experiment work with tap water or rainwater?

Don’t forget to record your data in a science notebook!

Making an Instant Ice Tower

Follow along with our directions to complete your own instant ice science experiment.

What you’ll need to make instant ice

instant ice experiment

You will need these supplies to make an instant ice tower:

  • Jar
  • Ice cubes
  • Bottled, purified water
  • Tray or plate

How to Make Instant Ice in 5 Seconds

Because instant ice can be tricky, it’s best to over-prepare for this experiment. We usually put half a dozen bottles or so in the freezer.

how to make instant ice in 5 seconds

Freezer temperatures vary, but it usually takes anywhere from an hour to three hours to get to the instant ice stage.

You can test if the ice is ready for the instant ice experiment by hitting one of the bottles on the counter. If it freezes instantly, the ice is ready.

If it stays liquid, your water isn’t cold enough.

Once the bottles are ready, move quickly.

how to make instant ice in 5 seconds

Set up your ice tower experiment station by placing an ice cube inside your jar. Place the jar on a plate or tray to catch messes.

If you want a really tall tower, flip your jar upside down.

Carefully carry the bottles to your instant ice station. Gently open the bottle and pour the water onto the ice cube.

how to make instant ice in 5 seconds

Watch as an ice tower forms before your eyes!

winter STEM challenge cards

Winter STEM Activities by Grade Level

Try these winter STEM activities for each grade level!

Winter Science Experiments for Toddlers

Winter STEM Activities for Preschool

Winter Science Experiments for Preschool

Winter STEM Activities for Kindergarten

Winter STEM Activities for 1st Grade

Winter STEM Activities for 2nd Grade

Winter STEM Activities for 3rd Grade

Winter STEM Activities for 4th Grade

Winter STEM Activities for 5th Grade

Winter STEM Activities for Middle School

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Filed Under: Science Experiments, Winter STEM Activities Tagged With: winter

About Brenda Priddy

Brenda grew up thinking she hated science.

But when her 4-year- old daughter was more interested in reading science facts than fairy tales, Brenda realized she had to learn more about science to keep up with her daughter.

Through simple at-home science experiments, Brenda developed a passion for science and now acts as an advocate for STEM education for kids at her website STEAMsational.com.

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What is STEAM?

STEAM activities for kids promote the idea that science, technology, engineering, art, and math can all work together to help kids become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators!

Join us on our journey to discover just how much fun science experiments can be.

What we do… 

STEAMsational offers STEM and science lesson plans and teaching resources to provide a firm STEM foundation for children in the classroom or home.

All you need to do is find your supplies, gather your scientists, and let the innovation unfold.

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