Concept:
Water has maximum density at $4^\circ$C. This leads to an unusual behavior during cooling.
Step 1: Understand cooling of water.
As water cools from higher temperatures to $4^\circ$C, its density increases and it sinks.
Step 2: Behavior below $4^\circ$C.
When water cools below $4^\circ$C, it becomes less dense and rises to the surface.
Step 3: Formation of ice.
Surface water reaches $0^\circ$C and freezes, while denser $4^\circ$C water remains below.