Branch of Science: Chemistry
Concept: Melting Point Depression
ICE CREAM MAKER
Is there a better snack than chips? You bet. How about ice cream? Finish up your chips. Then use the tube to create an ice cream maker. When you do you’ll learn the scientific secret behind great ice cream.
You’ll Need:
- 4 cups (1 liter) of ice cubes
- 6 tablespoons rock or kosher salt
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- 1/2 cup (.125 liter) milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Towel or oven mitts
Put It Together:
- Stir the ice and salt together in the bowl with the spoon. Set the bowl aside.
- Place the milk, sugar, and vanilla in the zipper bag. Close it tightly, sealing out most of the air. Gently shake the bag to mix the ingredients.
- Spoon ice cubes from Step 1 into the chip tube. Fill it about one quarter full.
- Drop the zipper bag into the tube.
- Carefully spoon in ice on all sides of the bag.
- Fill the rest of the tube with ice, and put on the lid.
- Using the towel or oven mitts to hold the canister, shake the tube.
- Every two minutes, check the ice. If there is room, add more ice.
- Continue shaking for a total of six minutes.
- Remove the lid, pull out the bag, and open it. Enjoy your ice cream!
Fast Fact: Normally ice melts at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Adding salt can lower its melting point to as low as -6.9 degrees F (-21.6 degrees C). Putting salt on roads during the winter months keeps the ice melted even at very cold temperatures.