Fire and Ice
SCIENCE
Created by: Isabella Shelby, Connor Eichenwald and Meghana Rao
See some cool science magic with fire, fake snow, and polymers! WARNING: please do not conduct these experiments at home.
Return to…
Fire and Ice
Ice
Small amounts of materials called polymers can absorb large amounts of water.
The reaction of a sodium polyacrylate with water can create a large amount of powdery “snow” that won’t melt and isn’t cold.
Fire
Different chemicals burn at different temperatures.
By burning a 50% alcohol – 50% water solution, we can transfer the heat from burning alcohol to the water.
Using this strategy, we can make a flame that won’t damage a piece of paper or cloth.
Take-Homes
Many problems can be solved by creatively using science.
Fire can be dangerous! Don’t try this experiment at home.
Polymers are incredible molecules that are all around us.