Ice cube sunshade challenge: a K–2 sunlight and shade activity

1. Ask: "On a hot sunny day, where do you like to stand?" Talk about how shade feels cooler than sun.
2. Share the goal: build a shade that keeps your ice cube from melting fast. It has to stand up on its own over the plate.
3. Pairs draw a quick plan, then build for about 15 minutes.
4. Set each shade in the sun with an ice cube under it. Put one ice cube on a plate with no shade so everyone can compare.
5. Set a timer for 15 minutes (shorter on a hot day). Every 5 minutes, students check and draw how big their cube looks.
6. Compare: which cubes are biggest? What materials did those shades use?
7. Each pair shares one change they would make next time.

Safety: remind students never to look at the Sun. On hot days keep outdoor time short, wait in the shade, and bring water. Wipe up melted water so no one slips.

Differentiation: students who need support build from a set of pre-cut pieces. Students who are ready test two materials and predict which keeps the ice longer. English learners can use "My shade is made of ___. My ice is big / small."

Quick check: ask: "Why did the ice cube with no shade melt fastest?" Listen for the idea that sunlight warms it.

Save this activity to your library so it is ready when you need it.