Student Activities

Ice Cream Social

FHI 360

Ice_Cream_Social

Host your site’s own BTE Ice Cream Social! Follow FHI 360’s STEM2D Coach and BTE youth as they demonstrate the science behind making one of everyone’s favorite treats- ice cream! Using the recording from the August 2021 BTE Ice Cream Social live event, host an event with your BTE students where they can learn all about chemistry and how different states of matter are important in the ice cream making process. Not only is this a great way to reinforce science content, but it is an excellent team-building event to help kick-off a new year!

Overview

Implementers

  • BTE Site Coordinators
  • J&J Volunteers
  • BTE Youth

Time

15 minutes

Materials

Traditional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of Half-and-Half
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1/3 cup of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of ice

Healthier Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of sweetener
  • 1/3 cup of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 3 cups of ice

Supplies

  • 1 small Ziplock (resealable) bag
  • 1 large Ziplock (resealable) bag
  • 1 spoon
  • 1 bowl
  • 1 towel
  • Your favorite toppings

Instructions

Preparation

  • Use the sample BTE Ice Cream Social flyer to help promote and market your BTE event. Share the Ice Cream Recipe Card with all attendees ahead of time to ensure they have the necessary ingredients and supplies needed.
  • Purchase all of the required ingredients and supplies.

Implementation

  1. Gather all of the required ingredients and supplies outlined in the recipe card.
  2. Fill the large Ziplock bag with 3 cups of ice.
  3. Add in 1/3 cup of salt into the large Ziplock bag of ice. Set aside.
  4. In the small Ziplock bag, add 1 cup of Half-and-Half, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Seal the Ziplock bag nice and tight.
  5. Take the sealed small Ziplock bag and put it into the large back of ice and salt. Seal tightly.
  6. Now it’s time for exercise- shake your mixture! You may want to have a towel on hand, as the bag can get very cold as you will be shaking it for about 3-7 minutes (until it forms ice cream).
  7. Once your ice cream has formed, carefully open the large Ziplock bag and take out your ice cream, which will be ready to go in your small Ziplock bag. Remember, your small bag will have a salt water mixture on it, so be sure not to touch your eyes and wipe your hands after taking out your ice cream mixture.
  8. Spoon your ice cream out into a bowl.
  9. Add your favorite toppings.
  10. Enjoy!

Key Vocabulary

  • STEM2D
  • Chemistry
  • States of matter
  • Disassociate

Resources

Brochures/Flyers

BTE Ice Cream Social Sample Flyer

Brochures/Flyers

Ice Cream Recipe Card