Predicting the Meltdown

Predicting the Meltdown lesson plan

Crayola® Model Magic snowmen demonstrate your understanding of the different physical forms of water.

  • 1.

    Discuss and demonstrate how water has three forms: solid, liquid, and gas. If possible, create a snow figure outdoors. Or freeze ice in molds. How long will it take the snow/ice to melt? How long will it take the water to evaporate? Under what conditions?

  • 2.

    Work in pairs to create four or more Crayola Model Magic models: the solid form of water, intermediate melting stages, the liquid, and the scene after it evaporates (or melts into the Earth). Use Crayola Washable Markers to color any parts of the Model Magic sculpture.

  • 3.

    Conduct experiments with snow, ice, water, and evaporated water. Predict how long it will take for real solid water (snow sculpture or ice) to become liquid. Estimate how long it will take for liquid to evaporate. Make labels on index cards with markers. Note the current date plus each team's date and time predictions for melting and evaporating.

  • 4.

    Display the prediction models. Compare the predictions with what happens to the snow or ice. Consider why the predictions were accurate or not.


  • Children recognize the three different physical forms of water and other matter.
  • Students create 3-dimensional prediction models of how water as a solid (snow or ice) will melt into a liquid and then evaporate into a gas.


  • Experiment with various melting conditions, such as indoors and out; heated, frozen, or refrigerated; moving or still air; insulated with newspaper; sunshine and shade. Observe and record all results. Compare to predictions.
  • Try the process in reverse. Predict how long it takes liquids to freeze. Or how long it takes gelatin to set. At what temperatures? In what types of containers or amounts?
  • Make ice cream, frozen juice pops, or frozen grapes for a healthy treat.