What Does Snow Turn Into When It Melts?

Over the past few weeks in Toddler 1 we have been learning about our planet.  We have learned that we find three things on Earth: land, air, and water.  The cold temperatures outside have allowed us to take our study even further.  We have been talking about how water is a liquid, and when it freezes it turns into ice which is a solid.

This week’s snowfall gave us yet another avenue to explore.  During circle time, we discussed that the sun is hot and the snow is cold.  The children were posed with the question, what happens to the cold snow when the hot sun shines on it?  Everyone agreed that the snow would melt.  What they did not agree on was what it would turn into when it melted.  Over half the class suggested that the snow would melt into milk. They immediately understood that ice would melt into water, but ice and water are the same color.  In their minds the snow, since it is white, should melt into milk.

We scooped some snow into a bowl and spent our entire day watching the snow melt.  Will it be water or milk when it melts?

~Ms. Becky and Ms. Lacey