Dinosaur Ice Rescue – A Fun & Engaging STEM Activity

Are your kids fascinated by dinosaurs? If so, they’ll love this Dinosaur Ice Rescue activity! It’s a simple, hands-on experiment that combines science, sensory play, and problem-solving—perfect for curious little learners.

This activity is easy to set up, exciting for kids, and a great way to explore melting, temperature, and cause-and-effect. Plus, it’s a fantastic indoor or outdoor activity for winter or summer!

Supplies You Need:

Small plastic dinosaurs
Ice cube trays or silicone molds
Water
A freezer
Warm water
Eye droppers, spray bottles, or small cups
Salt (optional, for extra melting fun!)

How to Set Up the Dinosaur Ice Rescue

Step 1: Freeze the Dinosaurs

1️⃣ Place a small plastic dinosaur inside each section of an ice cube tray.
2️⃣ Fill the tray with water and place it in the freezer overnight.
3️⃣ Once frozen, pop the dinosaur ice blocks out of the tray and place them in a large bin or tray.

Step 2: The Rescue Mission!

🔎 Give kids warm water, droppers, spray bottles, or small cups to start melting the ice.
🧂 Sprinkle salt on the ice to speed up the melting process.
💡 Encourage kids to observe and discuss what happens when warm water or salt touches the ice.
🚀 Watch their excitement as they free the dinosaurs from the ice!

Learning Through Play

🔬 Science Concepts – This activity introduces kids to states of matter, melting, and temperature changes.
🎭 Fine Motor Skills – Using droppers and spray bottles helps develop hand strength and coordination.
💡 Problem-Solving – Kids will experiment with different ways to melt the ice faster!
🎉 Sensory Play – The cold ice and warm water create a fantastic sensory experience.

Fun Variations to Try

🌈 Colorful Ice Rescue – Add a few drops of food coloring to the water before freezing.
🦕 Different Trapped Items – Try freezing other small toys like bugs, gems, or LEGO figures.

🪨 Use a Rock – Try using a rock to scrape off the ice!
🌞 Outdoor Summer Challenge – Take the ice blocks outside and see how fast they melt in the sun!

Why Kids Love This Activity

This Dinosaur Ice Rescue activity is simple, exciting, and packed with learning opportunities. It keeps kids engaged, curious, and entertained while sneaking in some STEM learning. Whether in the classroom, at home, or during a playdate, it’s sure to be a huge hit!