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Liquid to Solid: Freezing — Reading Comprehension

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This science passage, aligned to NGSS standards for Grade 4-5, introduces students to the process of freezing. Readers will learn key scientific concepts such as how liquids turn into solids, what freezing means, and why temperature is important in this process. The passage defines important vocabulary like freezing point, matter, and molecules, using clear explanations and real-world examples like water turning into ice. Students can explore science in their daily lives by learning how the freezing process is used in making ice cubes, storing food, and understanding weather. The passage includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, comprehension questions, and writing prompts to deepen understanding. Audio integration supports different learning styles, and carefully constructed activities foster critical thinking about cause and effect in nature. This resource is ideal for teachers and students looking to build foundational knowledge about phase changes, with engaging activities and a focus on real-world applications.

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ice, artificial ice, studio ice, macro, decor, the scenery, drops, marco, glass, ice cubes, ice cube, 7artisans, 7artisans 60mm, china lens, chinese lens, ice, ice, ice, ice, ice, ice cubes, ice cubes, ice cubes, ice cube, ice cube, ice cube — One of the most common examples of freezing is when water turns into ice. Image by Dragon77 / Pixabay.

Freezing is a physical change that happens when a liquid turns into a solid. This change occurs when heat energy is removed from the liquid. Understanding freezing helps us explain many everyday events, from making ice cubes to understanding how lakes freeze in winter.

When a liquid freezes, its particles—the tiny pieces that make up all matter—begin to slow down. In a liquid, particles move around freely and slide past each other. As heat is removed, these particles lose energy and move more slowly. Eventually, the particles move so slowly that they can no longer slide past one another. Instead, they lock into fixed positions and form a solid. Think of it like children running around a playground. When they have lots of energy, they run freely in all directions. But as they get tired and lose energy, they slow down and eventually stand still in one spot.

Water freezing into ice is the most common example of freezing. When you put liquid water in a freezer, the freezer removes heat from the water. The water particles slow down and arrange themselves into a regular pattern, forming solid ice. The freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, water changes from liquid to solid.

Freezing is the reverse of melting. When ice melts, heat is added, particles speed up, and the solid becomes a liquid. When water freezes, heat is removed, particles slow down, and the liquid becomes a solid. It is important to understand that the substance itself does not change during freezing. The water is still water whether it is liquid or solid ice. Only its state—whether it is solid, liquid, or gas—changes.

Many other liquids can freeze too. Juice, milk, and even liquid metals can all freeze when enough heat is removed. Each substance has its own freezing point. For example, orange juice freezes at a slightly lower temperature than pure water because it contains sugar and other substances.

Interesting Fact: When water freezes, it actually expands and takes up more space, which is why ice floats on water. This is unusual because most substances get smaller when they freeze!

What happens to particles during freezing?

They speed up and move freelyThey slow down and lock in placeThey disappear completelyThey change into different particles

What is the freezing point of water?

32 degrees Fahrenheit100 degrees Fahrenheit50 degrees Fahrenheit212 degrees Fahrenheit

What is removed during the freezing process?

Particles from the liquidHeat energy from the liquidColor from the liquidWeight from the liquid

Why does orange juice freeze differently than water?

It has more particlesIt is a different colorIt contains sugar and other substancesIt is always colder

If heat is added to ice, what happens?

It freezes moreIt melts into liquidIt stays the sameIt becomes orange juice

What does the playground analogy help explain?

How particles lose energy and slow downHow water changes colorHow freezers workHow children make ice