Freezing different materials - Investigation instructions

An intriguing investigation for students involves freezing various materials to discern whether they revert to their original states after being frozen. The materials in question include salt, sugar, vinegar, sand, and fruit juice. The primary aim is to observe the changes that occur when each of these substances is mixed with water and subjected to freezing temperatures. Students are tasked with forming groups of four to design and conduct the experiment, ensuring that their approach is methodical and fair.

To ensure the integrity of the investigation, students must agree on the procedures and consider whether they have taken the correct steps to conduct a valid experiment. After the freezing process, they will evaluate the outcomes and write up their findings. A critical part of the investigation is determining which materials can return to their original form once thawed and which cannot. Students are encouraged to think creatively about how to set up this experiment to yield clear results, providing them with an opportunity to understand the properties of different materials and the effects of freezing on them.