ICE CREAM MAKING
DELICIOUS
Science Behind the Experiment
What happens during the experiment?
As the ice and salt mixture surrounds the small bag containing the ice cream mixture, the temperature drops significantly. The salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing the ice to melt and creating a super cold brine solution. This super cold brine effectively freezes the ice cream mixture, turning it into creamy ice cream.
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Why does the ice cream mixture freeze despite being surrounded by ice?
The presence of salt in the ice and salt mixture causes the freezing point of water to decrease. As a result, the surrounding ice melts to form the super cold brine solution. This super cold brine absorbs heat from the ice cream mixture, causing the mixture to freeze and solidify into ice cream.
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How long does it take to make ice cream in a bag?
The ice cream in a bag experiment usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes of shaking and kneading the bags for the ice cream to reach the desired consistency.
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What are the educational benefits of the Ice Cream in a Bag Experiment?
The experiment offers an enjoyable way to learn about freezing point depression, a concept widely used in science and engineering. It also introduces the principles of phase changes and the effect of salt on the freezing point of water. Through this hands-on activity, students can grasp scientific concepts while savoring the delicious outcome.
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What are the real-world applications of understanding freezing point depression?
Understanding freezing point depression is essential in numerous applications. In the food industry, it is used to make ice cream, frozen desserts, and slushies. In colder climates, it is also applied to melt ice on roads and sidewalks by spreading salt, which lowers the freezing point of ice and helps prevent accidents during winter weather.
What You Will Learn
With the Ice Cream in a Bag Experiment, you will discover the magic of making your own ice cream and learn about freezing point depression. As you shake and knead the bags, the salted ice transforms the cream mixture into delightful, creamy ice cream right before your eyes! It's a tasty and interactive way to understand the science behind freezing and how salt affects the freezing point of water. Enjoy the sweet rewards of scientific exploration!
Video Coming Soon
Supplies
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1/2 cup of heavy cream
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2 tablespoons of sugar
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1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract
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Ice cubes
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1/4 cup salt
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2 resealable plastic bags
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Toppings (optional)
Steps
Step 1
You'll need heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ice cubes, salt, two resealable plastic bags (one small and one large), and optional toppings like chocolate chips or fruit.
Step 2
In the small resealable bag, combine 1/2 cup of half and half, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add any optional toppings you'd like to include.
Step 3
Seal the small bag tightly to avoid leaks. Place the sealed bag inside the larger resealable bag.
Step 4
Fill the larger bag with ice cubes, leaving some space. Add about 1/4 cup of salt to the ice. Seal the larger bag securely. Hold the bag by the top corners and shake and knead it for about 5-10 minutes, or until the ice cream mixture inside the small bag becomes thick and creamy.