Scream Cream Lab
In the Scream Cream Science Lab, students will make their own ice cream and turn it into a monster-themed float. Along the way, they’ll explore chemistry by seeing how salt lowers the freezing point of ice and how fizzy liquids release carbon dioxide bubbles when mixed into their creation.
Elementary
Food science
Project Details
Theme
October | Chemistry
Messy Level
3
Suggested Location
Lab or outside
Prep & Classroom Structure
Introduce video about food science.
Discuss how ice cream is an example of chemistry.
Children can create their own individual ice cream.
Each student should have a print out of the instructions with pre-measured ingredients for each child.
Children should wear their knit gloves when they shake the ice cream.
Once prepared, the children can pour into a bowl and add their halloween toppings including chocolate shell which turns from liquid to solid.
At the end, the children will be asked if they’d like to dissolve their creations with a float, which is another example of chemical reaction. Or instead of giving children soda, it can be demo’d by an adult.
Please ask teacher about allergies.
Materials
Per child
1 cup half-and-half
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 cups ice
1/3 cup kosher salt
Halloween topping
Chocolate shell topping
Sandwich bag & 1 gallon bag
Paper bowls
Cooler
Spoons
Napkins
Children’s own mittens
Organic food coloring
Project Instructions
In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.
Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.
Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.
Example of set up:
Class Video
Please share link with teacher ahead of session.