Dry Ice Experiments for Kids

One of the best ways to teach kids about science is by conducting some fascinating experiments. Dry ice is a substance that can be used for making science fair projects and interesting experiments. Dry ice is nothing but carbon dioxide in its solid form. As we all know carbon dioxide is a gas which is an important component of the Earth's atmosphere. When carbon dioxide is frozen above -56.3º C and pressure below 5.13 atm, carbon dioxide gas converts into its solid state without an intervening liquid state. This solid carbon dioxide is known as dry ice. Dry ice is used extensively in meat packaging industry and in food preservation. Besides its commercial uses, the properties of dry ice is such that it can be used successfully for conducting experiments.

Dry Ice Science Experiments for Kids

Before we learn about some easy dry ice experiments, it is important that you know how to handle it. Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause damage to the skin in the form of burns and frostbite. So always wear insulated gloves while handling it. While transporting dry ice, make sure that the car doors are open so that there is adequate ventilation. And lastly, do not let small kids handle dry ice without adult supervision.

Frozen Bubbles
For this experiment, you will need dry ice pellets, soap, water and a glass bowl. First wear a pair of insulated hand gloves and place a pellet of dry ice in the bottom of the glass bowl. Allow carbon dioxide gas to accumulate in the glass bowl from the dry ice. In another bowl or container dissolve a bit of soap in water to make a soapy solution. Blow some bubbles through a wire loop into the glass bowl containing the dry ice. You will notice that the bubbles will hover in the air in between the dry ice pellet and the carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles which comes directly in contact with the dry ice pellet will freeze into transparent solid bubbles. You can then touch and hold these frozen bubbles in your hand. After some time the frozen bubbles will thaw and then pop.

Foggy Jack-O-Lantern
This experiment is perfect for Halloween when you want a spooky decoration. For this experiment you need dry ice pellets or chips, a pumpkin, water and a tall glass or can. First carve the pumpkin like you would normally do for making a jack-o-lantern. Carve a mouth, eyes and nose on the pumpkin. Fill water inside the tall glass or can and place it inside the pumpkin. Make sure that the glass is not toppled inside. Now drop a few dry ice pellets into the water and close the lid of the pumpkin. After sometime you will see thick fog emanating from the eyes, nose and mouth of the jack-o-lantern. For best results, the glass or can of water that you place inside the pumpkin should be taller than the cut out for the eyes. Since carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air it tends to settle at the bottom of the container, which in this case is the pumpkin; more fog will come out of the carved mouth of the jack-o-lantern.

A Howling Spoon
Ever heard a spoon squeal and shriek? Well in this next dry ice experiment, kids will hear just that. For this experiment you need a regular metal tablespoon and a dry ice pellet. Dry the metal tablespoon and make sure that it is free of moisture. Place a dry ice pellet on the metal spoon and press it firmly to the surface of the spoon. As the heat from the spoon transforms the dry ice into vapor, it puts pressure on the spoon which makes the spoon make a small movement. This movement causes a squeaking noise, making it seem like the spoon is shrieking.

Dry ice experiments for kids are a lot of fun and kids gain a lot of information about carbon dioxide and its properties. Whenever you conduct these experiments make sure that none of the kids touch dry ice directly with their hands. Also make sure that the place where you conduct such experiments is preferably outdoors or is well-ventilated.