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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Gather different food items (tomato, lettuce, bread roll, banana) and ask the child to identify what they are. Explain that they will be freezing these foods to see what happens to them. Ask the child to predict what they think will happen to each food item when it is frozen.

    Step 2

    Have the child touch and observe each food item before freezing. Encourage them to describe the texture and shape. Record their predictions about what will happen to each item when it is frozen.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Place each food item on a separate plate or tray. Put them into the freezer. Explain to the child that you will be checking on the food items at different times to see how long it takes for them to freeze.

    Step 2

    Use a timer or clock to check the food items at regular intervals (e.g. every few hours). Record the time it takes for each item to become fully frozen. Discuss with the child if any noticeable changes have taken place. For example, has the colour or texture changed?

    Step 3

    Once the food items are frozen, take them out of the freezer and place them on the benchtop. Ask the child to predict what will happen as they thaw. Observe the items as they thaw, noting the changes in texture and shape. Record these observations.

    Step 4

    After all the food items have thawed, discuss the results. Ask questions such as:

    • What changes did you notice in each food item when it was frozen and thawed?
    • Which food item took the longest to freeze? Which one thawed the fastest?
    • How did your predictions compare to what actually happened?

    Provide the child with simple explanations to reveal the science behind frozen foods. Use these dot points to guide you:

    • Freezing turns the water in the food into ice, making it hard and cold. Thawing melts the ice back into water, changing the texture and shape of the food.
    • Thicker foods like the bread roll might take longer to freeze because they have more water inside. Thinner items like lettuce freeze faster.
    • Freezing makes some fruits mushy (like tomatoes and bananas) because the ice crystals inside them expand and break their cells, changing how they feel.
    Step 5

    Help the child create a chart or drawing that shows the changes in each food item before freezing, after freezing and after thawing. Use the notebook to record these observations and any interesting findings.

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Record the entire freezing and thawing experiment, capturing the child’s predictions, their observations during the process and their reflections on what they have learned about freezing and thawing. Conduct interviews with the child and any adults involved to gather insights and reactions. Edit the footage into a video that documents the scientific exploration and share it to showcase the learning experience.

    Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

  • Discuss

    Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what the child has learned.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm some basic recipes that involve the use of cutting tools e.g. cookies, pastries or pizza. Decide on a suitable recipe you can make with the help of the child and discuss which cutting tools you will need to help you make it.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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