Monday, January 19, 2015

Ice Cream in a Bag!

I scream,  You scream, We all scream for ice cream
(Howard Johnson, Bill Moll and Robert King, 1927)


Who doesn’t like ice cream?  This Animated Step-by-Step recipe does not involve cooking … making it an easy lesson for in-classroom implementation.  There are two versions offered in the Bloom store (http://teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bloom :










Eight Serving Version

Great for a large group format.  The ice cream mix for 8 (1/2 cup) servings is assembled in a large bowl that is then refrigerated; later, ½ cup portions of this stirred and chilled mixture are poured into each child’s small bag (pint-size) which is then inserted into a larger bag (gallon-size) of ice and rock salt.

Single Serving Version

This version works well at an activity center involving 2-3 students. The Animated Step-by-Step Recipe is used to pace students through the assembly process. It can be presented on a  laptop (placed out of harm’s way) or on an iPad (using the Microsoft PowerPoint app available at the app store).  Please visit post 01-19-15 (if you haven’t already done so) for specifics regarding the use of Animated Step-by-Steps on an iPad.

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Here are some helpful hints for making your activity, Ice Cream in a Bag,  run smoothly:

1.     Consider ‘double bagging’  to minimize the likelihood of spills or leaks.  I did not include this step in the Step-by-Step, but please know that this is an option, if the cost of extra bags is not prohibitive.

2.     For a large group format, consider putting the ‘ice cream mixture’ in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to be sure that it is sufficiently chilled. The process works best … and fastest when the ingredients are pre-chilled. This 30 minute wait might be a good time to introduce or review the poem, Five Little Cones (check it out in the Bloom store). 

3.     Mittens or gloves are a must as the task of shaking the bags for 5 minutes is very cold on the hands.  If you are using the single serving version at an activity center be sure to include one or two pairs of 'communal gloves or mittens'. If you are making the ice cream during winter … have your students use their own mittens or gloves.

4.     Five minutes can seem like a very long time to a young child. A major distraction is required. Whenever I’ve conducted this activity I’ve had the children sing the following chorus to the tune of, yes you guessed it, “Shake Your Booty”

Shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake
Shake your ice cream
Shake your ice cream

Another option is to use the instrumental version of Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On. Although the lyrics probably wouldn’t be processed the way an adult perceives this song, you probably want to go with the instrumental version to be on the safe side. Simply add your own verbal chant.

This is a link to a free version: 

You can also download the karaoke version for $1.99. 
Seems like a small price to pay to help an activity run more smoothly.

5.     Although you can make the recipe with whole milk, I have found the texture to be less ‘ice cream like’ than when using half and half as the main ingredient.  I would imagine that cream produces an even better product, but for our purposes, half and half is more than adequate

6.     If you wish to use the concept of making ice cream as a science lesson with Grade 1or 2 students, please visit the following Scientific America web site for numerous talking points:


7.     The Animated Step-by-Step Poem, Five Little Cones was designed to complement the Ice Cream in a Bag Step-by-Step Recipe. This poem encourages students to predict what color ice cream would result after adding various food items.  There are two versions, one involving a dollar bill and a second versions that works on Grade 2 money equivalency skills. Both versions of Ice Cream in a Bag also include a chart inviting students to select a color then indicate what fruit they might add to turn their vanilla ice cream into that color. Consider using the chart after introducing the poem, but before beginning the process of making ice cream.















Hope you enjoy using this Animated Step-by-Step Recipe.

... 'til the next post …

© 2015 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.

canadiangoosse@gmail.com



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