Ice & States of Matter
Understand ice in different forms and states of matter — sea ice forms when ocean water freezes (it's salty and relatively thin), glacial ice forms from compacted snow over centuries (fresh water, very thick), and icebergs break off from glaciers and float in the sea; know that water exists as solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapour), and that salt lowers the freezing point of water
Typical age: 7–9 years
“Can your child explain the difference between sea ice and glacier ice, and describe how water changes between solid, liquid, and gas — maybe by doing a simple freezing experiment with salt and fresh water?”
0 / 3 mastered
Explore graph
Unlocks next
- Glaciers & Ice SheetsREQUIRED
Must understand ice types (sea ice vs glacial ice) before learning about glacier formation in depth
- Why Polar Seasons Are Extreme
Understanding ice types enriches the connection between seasons and sea ice cycles
- Polar Oceans and World ClimateREQUIRED
Must understand ice and sea ice before learning about albedo and ocean currents