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This brief video describes the unique properties of water molecules and the reason for a less dense solid structure (ice) as compared to the liquid form.
Students will learn about hydrogen bonds, how temperature and kinetic energy affect those hydrogen bonds in water molecules, and the importance of water and floating ice to all life on Earth.
This video provides nice animations showing how water molecules move at different temperatures and how they bond with other water molecules.
It also does a good job of connecting the importance of less-dense ice for living systems.
Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with some basic chemistry concepts, including atomic structure, polarity, and bonding.
Differentiation & Implementation
This is a great resource to tie into lessons on the water cycle and the amplification of the water cycle due to increases in global temperatures.
It can also be a great transition into how the reduced albedo effect from melting ice caps and glaciers is accelerating climate change, particularly in polar regions.
