Some of the most fascinating discoveries happen when we explore how materials react to heat and cold. Recently, our CIE 1 students investigated how heating and cooling can change the properties of various materials through a series of hands-on experiments.
They started by heating butter, observing how it transformed from a solid to a soft, liquid state as it warmed up. After letting it cool, they saw it return to a solid, gaining a deeper understanding of how heat affects materials. Next, they explored cooling by handling an ice cube. Feeling its chill, they discussed how water changes from liquid to solid ice, exploring the concepts of freezing and melting.
The students also tested the magnetic properties of different materials, identifying which were attracted to magnets. In another experiment, they compared materials to see which absorbed water and which didn’t. Through these activities, students practiced observation, experimentation, and critical thinking, enhancing their understanding of how materials respond to temperature changes.