To demonstrate the difference between heat and temperature a sheet of aluminum is used to melt an ice cube almost as if its in a frying pan, only at room temperature.

With multiple squares of different material, the differing thermal conductivity of materials can be made very visually evident.

The aluminum ice melt is a simple demonstration to help students understand the difference between heat and temperature. Although the aluminum feels cool to the touch, when an ice cube is placed on its surface the ice begins to melt at an accelerated rate due to an increased transfer of heat.

• Aluminum square
• Plastic square (acrylic or similar)
• Elastic bands
• Ice cubes
• Paper towel

The elastic is placed on each square to form a barrier to stop the ice from slipping around. Then all you need to do is place the ice cube on each square and watch them melt.