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If you’re looking for an easy winter science experiment for kids, this one is such a winner. It’s quick, low-mess, and perfect for breaking up winter-break boredom — especially when your kids perform it as a “science trick” for grandparents or visiting friends.
This simple winter STEM activity always gets a “Wait… how did you do that?” because your child will lift an ice cube using nothing but a piece of string and some salt. No knots, no glue, no hands — just sneaky science at work.
What You Need
- 1 ice cube
- 1 plate or small dish
- 1 long piece of string (about 15–20 cm)
- Salt
Easy Winter Science Experiment for Kids: Lift an Ice Cube With String
Set the stage by laying your items out neatly — this helps sell the “magic trick” moment. Challenge your audience: “Can you lift the ice cube using only what’s on the plate?”
- Place the ice cube on the plate.
- Lay the string across the top of the ice cube so it’s lying flat.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the string and ice cube — like magic dust!
- Wait about 30–60 seconds (perfect time to whisper some made-up magic words).
- Now gently lift the string… the ice cube should come up with it!
Tip: Make sure part of the string is in full contact with the top of the cube before adding the salt. That’s where the science — and the “magic” — happens.
Watch the easy winter STEM activity in action!
What’s Happening?
This trick works for the same reason salt melts ice faster in the Salt and Ice Melting Race. When you sprinkle salt onto the cube, it melts a tiny layer of ice — just on the surface.
The string sinks slightly into that meltwater… but because your ice cube is so cold, the water quickly refreezes around the string. Now the string is literally frozen into the ice, like a tiny handle. Lift the string — and the cube comes with it!
Kids feel like wizards doing this one, which is why it makes such a fun, sneaky winter science experiment for kids.
Try These Fun Variations
- Try different types of salt — table salt vs. rock salt. Which works best?
- Use two ice cubes: can your child lift both at once on the same string?
- Experiment with thicker or thinner string.
- Challenge someone to figure out the trick without revealing the salt step.
More Easy Winter Science Experiments for Kids
Here are more simple, wow-factor winter STEM activities your kids will love:
- Instant Ice Experiment for Kids – Supercooling Winter STEM Activity
- Salt and Ice Melting Race – Easy Winter STEM Experiment
- Make a Cloud in a Jar – Mini Weather Lab
- 5 Super Simple STEM Experiments the Whole Family Will Love
Want More Fun Winter Science?
This experiment is just one of the hands-on activities inside the free 20-page Winter STEM Lab — packed with puzzles, trivia, and more winter science your daughter will love.
More Easy Winter Science Experiments for Kids
Instant Ice Experiment for Kids
Watch water freeze right before their eyes! A super cool winter science experiment for kids that explains supercooling in a fun, hands-on way.
Run an ice melting race with salt, sugar, and a control cube. A simple winter STEM activity that shows how salt helps melt ice on roads.
Download a free Winter STEM activity book packed with puzzles, experiments, and trivia to keep curious kids busy all season.
