Our VISION for our community's future ice center goes far beyond ice skating. We will share our fascination with the science of ice by creating programs that offer STEAM educational opportunities to young scientists!
​
Scroll down to take a look at our 10-part Ice Science Workshop. Originally posted on Twitter, we've recreated the posts and included the links below. Enjoy!
Ice Science, Part 1
What is ice?
Ice is frozen water. Water molecules are made of one oxygen atom bonded with two hydrogen atoms. Below 32°F the hydrogen atoms lock together in a pattern that forms a crystal.
Source: Heat, Cold, and Energy—The Science of Ice - Kids Discover
Ice Science, Part 3
Why is ice slippery?
"Ice has a liquid-like surface layer. This has important consequences for the surface properties, such as friction." Less friction means things can easily slide across the ice surface!
Source: icephysics.pdf (alaska.edu)
Ice Science, Part 5
What are the design features of figure skates?
Figure Skate Design Features:
-
Rounded Blade
-
Sharp Edges
-
Toe Picks
-
Raised Heel
-
Strong Ankle Support
Click the photo or source link to learn more about figure skates!
Source: https://twitter.com/vcicesports/status/1526317328354320384
Ice Science, Part 7
What are the design features of speed skates?
Speed Skate Design Features:
-
Nearly Flat, Elongated Blade
-
Sharp Edges
-
Flat Heel
-
No Ankle Support
Click the photo or source link to learn more about speed skates!​
Source: https://twitter.com/vcicesports/status/1527005879790452746
Ice Science, Part 9
Does salt water freeze?
Fresh water freezes at 0 °C (32 °F) but seawater freezes at -2°C (28.4 °F), due to the salt. Frozen seawater has very little salt because only the water freezes. It can be melted for drinking water!
Source: Are Icebergs Made of Freshwater or Saltwater? (thoughtco.com)
Ice Science, Part 2
Why does ice float?
When hydrogen atoms in water lock together and form crystals, that's ice. The crystals take up more space than the molecules of liquid water. Ice is less dense than water; that's why ice floats!
Source: Heat, Cold, and Energy—The Science of Ice - Kids Discover
Ice Science, Part 4
How do skates move on the ice?
Ice is slippery, so there is not much friction. This low level of friction allows ice skates to glide across the ice surface. Also, the design of the skate blades facilitates gliding.
Ice Science, Part 6
What are the design features of hockey skates?
Hockey Skate Design Features:
Rounded Blade
Sharp Edges
Slightly Raised Heel
Strong Ankle Support
Click the photo or source link to learn more about hockey skates:
Source: https://twitter.com/vcicesports/status/1526637101906661376
​
Ice Science, Part 8
Did you know that you can use warm water to make ice?
Believe it or not, warm water freezes faster than cold water. This phenomenon has actually been known for centuries and was even described by Aristotle, Bacon, and Descartes. However, it was not introduced to the modern scientific community until 1963.
Source: Interesting facts about ice | Just Fun Facts
​
Ice Science, Part 10
Does ice temperature affect skating?
Yes! An ice temperature of 17-23 degrees Fahrenheit is considered good "hard hockey ice,” while 24-29 degrees Fahrenheit is considered good “soft figure skating ice.”
Source: Does Ice Temperature Affect Skating? - Wissota Skate Sharpeners
Take the Ice Skate Comparison Challenge!
Review the Ice Science posts, Parts 5-7. Complete this worksheet to deepen and reinforce your knowledge of the science of skate design.
