July's Science Minute

Ice Cream in a Bag

This science minute will take longer than a minute, but you end up with some sweet rewards.  You only need 7 things: 

• Half and Half - Whole milk will make a less creamy ice cream.  Mixing whole milk and cream can make a creamier ice cream.  Half and half is the easiest blend, but feel free to experiment to find the texture you like.
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Salt - You can use any salt you have around the house, but the chunkier salts are easier to keep out of the ice cream.
• Ice
• Two sizes of high quality plastic bags like Ziploc - You want a good seal, especially on the smaller bag to help keep the salt water from getting into the ice cream mix.

Inside the smaller bag, pour 1 cup of half and half, 1 Tablespoon sugar and 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract.  As you seal the smaller bag, squeeze the air out.  Fill the larger bag half way with ice and add about 1/4 C of salt to the ice.  Put the smaller bag inside the larger bag and then top it with more ice.  Seal the bag and have fun shaking.  Kids, grown ups, everyone can have a turn shaking.  The salt will make the ice extra cold, so be prepared for that.  You may want gloves.  Shake for at least 6 minutes, probably more like 15 minutes.  You can add ice as you need and check the smaller bag for texture.  Whenever you try to open the inner bag, make sure you rinse off the bag to clean off the salt water.  Add toppings or flavors as you wish.