: Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

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 ges: 5-12

Objective: Introduce children to the principles of chemistry and thermodynamics while making delicious homemade ice cream in a fun and interactive way.

Materials Needed:

  1. Quart-sized resealable plastic bags (one per participant)
  2. Gallon-sized resealable plastic bags (one per participant)
  3. Ice cubes
  4. Rock salt or table salt
  5. Heavy cream
  6. Sugar
  7. Vanilla extract
  8. Optional: Toppings such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit

Procedure:

  1. In the quart-sized plastic bag, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add any desired toppings.

  2. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there are no leaks.

  3. Fill the gallon-sized plastic bag halfway with ice cubes.

  4. Add about 1/4 cup of rock salt or table salt to the ice in the gallon-sized bag. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, allowing the ice cream mixture to freeze more quickly.

  5. Place the sealed quart-sized bag containing the ice cream mixture into the gallon-sized bag with the ice and salt.

  6. Seal the gallon-sized bag tightly.

  7. Shake the bag vigorously for about 5-10 minutes, or until the ice cream mixture thickens and hardens to the desired consistency.

  8. Remove the quart-sized bag from the gallon-sized bag and rinse it under cold water to remove any salt residue.

  9. Carefully open the quart-sized bag, scoop out the homemade ice cream, and enjoy!

Explanation:

  • The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, causing it to melt. As the ice melts, it absorbs heat from the surroundings, including the ice cream mixture in the quart-sized bag.
  • This process of heat absorption allows the ice cream mixture to freeze and solidify, resulting in homemade ice cream.

Extensions:

  1. Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients such as cocoa powder, fruit puree, or flavored extracts to the ice cream mixture.
  2. Discuss the science behind phase changes and the role of salt in lowering the freezing point of water.
  3. Explore the history of ice cream and how it has evolved over time.
  4. Challenge kids to come up with their own creative ice cream flavors and mix-ins.
  5. Host an ice cream tasting party and compare the homemade ice cream to store-bought varieties.

Safety Note:

  • Ensure that participants handle the bags and ingredients safely to avoid spills or accidents. Remind them not to ingest any of the substances used in the experiment before the ice cream is fully prepared.

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