Shows a liquid in water to illustrate the experiment that lets you make a storm in a glass

Equipment

  • 50 ml milk
  • Ice cube tray
  • A tall, clear glass or vase
  • Food colouring

Instructions

  1. Mix 50 ml milk with 50 ml water
  2. Add food colouring if you want a colourful experiment
  3. Freeze the mixture into ice cubes
  4. Fill a glass with lukewarm water
  5. Place an ice cube in the water and watch as it melts

What happens?

The ice cube floats on top of the water because ice has a lower density than water. The lower density is why ice forms a layer on top of lakes during winter, protecting the life in the water. When the ice cube melts, the liquid sinks to the bottom like a waterfall because of the water’s higher density. Water has the highest density at 4 degrees centigrade. We see this phenomenon, called “spring turnover,” in spring, as the ice on lakes melts and sinks to the bottom. In the fall, as it gets colder, autumn turnover happens when the water on top of lakes reaches 4 degrees centigrade and sinks to the bottom. Both turnovers ensure that fish and other animals at the bottom of the lake get fresh, oxygen-rich water.

Equipment 50 ml milk Ice cube tray A tall, clear glass or vase Food colouring Instructions Mix 50 ml milk with 50 ml water Add food colouring if you want a colourful experiment Freeze the mixture into ice cubes Fill a glass with lukewarm water Place an ice cube in the water and watch as….Click to read more