I scream, you scream, we all scream for “ICE CREAM!” Not only is this activity a great way to engage kids about chemical reactions, but you also will get a tasty treat at the end!
Activity best for children ages 2 and up
Materials
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup milk, cream, or half and half
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavoring)
- 6 tablespoons salt
- 2 resealable bags (ideally one larger than the other)
- Enough ice to fill the larger resealable bag halfway
Questions while experimenting
- What do you think will happen when you mix these materials together?
- What happens when you mix the items together?
- Why do you think this change happened?
Directions
Step 1
Place sugar, milk/cream/half & half, and vanilla into the smaller resealable bag. Seal the bag.
Step 2
Place the ice and salt into the larger bag. Then place the small bag with all the other ingredients into the bag with the ice.
Step 3
Shake your bag for a few minutes. (Put on some tunes and have a dance party!)
Step 4
Take out the smaller bag and—voilà! Enjoy your ice cream!
Be sure to share your ice cream in a bag on Instagram by tagging @sdcdm320.
Do you have questions about this activity? Email Education@sdcdm.org