Education Standards
Ice Cream in a Bag Lesson Plan
Ice cream Presentation
Learn States of Matter with Ice Cream in a Bag
Overview
In this lesson, students explore the states of matter by creating ice cream in a bag. They'll observe how liquids transform into solids through the process of freezing, while also learning about the properties of solids and liquids. By manipulating ingredients and observing temperature changes, students will gain a hands-on understanding of the scientific principles behind phase transitions. This activity encourages curiosity and critical thinking as students engage with fundamental concepts in a fun and delicious way.
Introduction
Subjects: • Science • Chemistry • Math
Time: 60-90 minutes
Skills: • Measurement • Problem-solving • Measurement • Engineering design process
Learning Objective/Goal:
- Understanding the difference between solids and liquids based on ice cream changing from a liquid to a solid
- Understand what changes in ice cream as it is shaken and changes to a solid`
Materials Needed per student/serving :
- 1/2 cup Half & Half
- 1/2 to 1 Tbs of Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla
- 2 Sandwich Bag (small and large)
- Ice (approx. 1-2 cups)
- 2 Spoonfuls of Salt
- Extra toppings
Background
This ice cream lesson is a great way to excite students about learning science principles and illustrate the concept in real life. Students can also practice skills in measurement and math where they can measure out the ingredients and calculate the total volume before beginning to shake it
Activity
Introduction:
- Prepare all ingredients and introduce students to the topic of ice cream
- Go over an overview of what will be discussed
- Start the presentation on ice cream, which goes over the history of ice cream, how it changes states of matter, and eventually the recipe of how to make it - be sure to explain each slide
Instructions for making Ice Cream:
- Pour the half and half and sugar into a bowl and mix until dissolved - it may take some time depending on how fast they stir
- Stir the vanilla in.
- Pour the mixture into the small plastic bag, and close making sure to remove all air from the bag
In the large bag:
- Put half of the ice in the large bag - there should be a decent layer at the bottom
- Place the smaller bag with the half-and-half mixture in the larger bag
- Add the rest of the ice, making sure the bag is covered
- Pour 2 spoonfuls of salt into the ice
Making the ice cream
- Have students seal the large bag with air, forming a large bubble, and share aggressively for over 10 minutes. After, check the ice cream every 2-3 minutes
Discussion
as the students are eating their ice cream, have a short discussion/debrief about how it went, if they like it or not, and what they learned.
Potential topics of discussion:
Ice Cream Science: How did the ingredients change from liquid to solid?
Favorite Part: What was the most fun or interesting part of making ice cream?
Next Time: What would you like to try differently if we made ice cream again?
Extra
Tips for Students:
- If the bag is too cold to shake students can grab the plastic bag but not the ice inside and shake (due to the large bubble inside
- Try to be as exact as possible when measuring out ingredients!
Tips for Teachers:
- Prepare all the ingredients beforehand and make sure to have all the required measuring cups
- The recipe and serving can be scaled up or down depending on age and materials
- Be sure to explain the states of matter change throughout the process!
Extensions:
- Have the students calculate the total amount of ingredients the teacher needs to buy
- Ask students to modify the ice cream recipe by adjusting the fractions and/or ratios of ingredients.
Recipe from https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe/