It was a very hot summer day. White fluffy clouds on a background of clear blue,
 and a hot blazing sun filled the sky.
She was bent over intently looking at two tiny water spots on the sidewalk. 
It wasn’t raining.  Curious, I watched and waited. 
She skipped a little and putting her hand inside a foam cup, pulled out something and dropped it.  Then the watching and intense study began once more.   
Her smile radiated almost as brightly as the sun that day.
 
My little friend was dropping ice cubes!  We began to chat and I presented her with a few challenges.  We dropped a piece and then counted.  It was gone in 63 seconds!  That was cool! 
We dropped different sizes and guessed how long it would take each piece to melt.  How much longer did it take the big pieces to melt compared to the smaller pieces? 
We were amazed at how fast the sidewalk became totally dry once more.
 
 
 
 
 
 
It wasn’t a long interlude, but it was fun!  Not only did we learn a little bit about melting and evaporation, our friendship grew a little that day also.  I made a connection with my young friend that I’m sure she will remember next time she sees me creating a bridge for future communication. 
 
 
Is it hot today? 
Why not get a cup of ice and head to the nearest piece of cement (driveway or sidewalk)? 
You could even do this on the boards of a deck.  
 Make sure you take enough to eat a little too! 
Then have fun experimenting and cooling off!
 
 
 
 
This Blog Post is inspired from the book:
Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:
Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share
by Becky B. Baxa
If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children
(that do not require batteries or electronics )
you can purchase this 180 page book,
full of color photos,
for $21.95
from Amazon.com or Etsy.com
Or
from the gift shop at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO,
Silver Dollar City General Store in Branson, MO .
This book can also be checked out of the following libraries:
Scenic Regional Library – Union and Pacific, MO
First Christian Church – Washington, MO
Hawaii State Library – Honolulu, HI
Story City Public Library – Story City, IA
Ellsworth Public Library – Ellsworth, ME

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