Dry Ice Sublimation - Science World

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Per Demo or Class: graduated cylinder, preferably tempered glass styrofoam container or another appropriate container for dry ice (It is very important as there are specific methods of transporting dry ice.) insulated gloves for handling dry ice tongs for handling dry ice goggles for eye protection dry ice (The dry ice should be in pellet form. This helps to control the amount that can be added at a time.) access to warm or hot water (The hotter the better for the cloud/fog effect.)

Teacher tip: A 3:1 ratio of water to dry ice in volume will create a good fog effect.

Why is this called 'dry' ice?
What is the name of the state change that occurs with dry ice in normal atmospheric condition
Why do we see a cloud when dry ice is mixed with warm water?

Ensure that you have a safe area to work with and that the students are at a safe distance away.
Have the graduated cylinder and empty dry ice container ready.
Fill the graduated cylinder with warm or hot water.
Equip yourself with the safety equipment. (goggles, tongs, gloves)
Secure a piece of dry ice in the tongs and show the children. Tell the students that it is changing from a solid to gas phase, which is visible as the fog coming off the solid piece.
Place the dry ice into the graduated cylinder, and watch the clouds form.
Take off your gloves and wave your hand over the clouds. Ask for students’ observations and then follow-up with questions to determine their understanding. What is happening to the dry ice?
To dispose of excess dry ice, place it in an empty container and leave it to sublimate in an open, secure and safe area with good ventilation. Ensure that the students do not go near it.

Teacher tip: Test out the demonstration ahead of time to determine the best ratios and methods of the procedure before the live demonstration.