Rock salt is the name given to salt before it is processed.

To melt is to change from a solid state to a liquid state.

Equipment is any object or materials used to collect data in a science investigation.

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

When scientists review, they look again at what they have done and consider if it could be improved.

The effect of adding salt to ice: do and review (non-statutory)

Science

In the Materials Challenge unit, pupils learn how to separate materials using different techniques, such as filtering and evaporation. In the Solutions unit, they will build upon this knowledge to learn about pure substances and mixtures, as well as observing and explaining solubility using the particle model.    

In the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, pupils learnt to decide how mixtures might be separated, including through filtering, sieving and evaporating. In this Materials challenge unit, they will build on this knowledge to apply their understanding of separating materials to a wider range of everyday situations

This unit covers separating materials using techniques such as filtering and evaporation. It focuses on planning scientific enquiries, recognising and controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, recording complex data, and presenting findings with conclusions, and explanations.

Materials (non-statutory)

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

What type of salt is used to melt ice on roads and pavements?

The melting temperature remains the same.

What happens to the melting temperature of ice when we add salt to it?

Which of these would be useful for finding out which type of salt melts ice the fastest?

Scientists use the results of their investigations to write ...

They find out about something or investigate it carefully.

They use notes, photos and drawings to keep and share information.

They look again at what they've done and consider whether it could be improved.

What do scientists do when they review an investigation?

Table salt has a strong scent that attracts animals to roads.

Table salt contains smaller granules and causes more cars to rust.

Rock salt contains larger granules that help to increase road surface friction.

The results of our investigation showed that table salt melted the ice quicker than the rock salt. Why do we use rock salt to melt ice on roads and pavements?

What do we use on our roads to help to melt ice?

Rock salt is often stored in {{}} bins in public places so that it can be used to help to melt ice on or roads and pavements.

Rock salt can be used to {{}} ice on roads and pavements.

What happens to rock salt once it has been extracted from salt mines?

What do scientists do when they want to answer questions?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The effect of adding salt to ice: do and review (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.