Ice is what happens when water gets really, really cold and turns into a solid. Imagine you have a glass of water. When you put it in the freezer, the water starts to get colder and colder. When it gets cold enough, at 0°C (32°F) or lower, the water changes from a liquid to a solid. This solid is what we call ice.

Inside the water, there are tiny particles called molecules. When the water is warm, these molecules move around quickly. But when the water gets cold, the molecules slow down and start to stick together in a special way. They form a pattern that makes the water hard.

Ice is very important in nature. For example, in winter, lakes and ponds can freeze over, creating a layer of ice on top. This ice helps protect the fish and other animals living in the water from the cold air above.