Summer Fun - Homemade Ice Cream

Last summer, my kids and I had fun trying different science experiments every Saturday - the one that was the most fun was making our own ice cream. I know, I know, ice cream is not what comes to mind when many people think of experiments, but if you think about it cooking and baking go hand in hand with science.

 Growing up, my parents owned an ice cream maker which was wonderful and quite the experience. I am in no way saying that the method I am about to share is a replacement to the creamy, deliciousness of a professional ice cream maker. That being said, this is something where my kids can see the process of liquid turning to solid and also get some exercise in at the same time. Plus, who doesn't love eating what they themselves have made? In doing things this way, each child is responsible for their own serving, and are able to add in their own flavors and mixings.

You will need:

1 pint sized zip lock bag
1 gallon sized zip lock bag
Ice cubes (enough to fill the larger bag to the halfway point)
1/2 cup of rock salt (any salt will do, but rock salt is the best and is fairly reasonable in price)
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 cup half and half
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
Any extras that you would like to mix in (candy, chocolate chips, cookie dough, etc)

*please keep in mind, this list is just for one serving. You will need to have this amount per bag of ice cream!

In the pint sized zip lock bag, place the sugar, half and half, and vanilla together. Make certain this bag is now sealed very tightly (if not, it will become a leaky mess!).

Then, place the ice cubes and salt inside the gallon sized zip lock bag, and also put in the ingredient bag. Seal well, and shake for a minimum of five minutes. Make certain to check from time to time to see if the ice cream is at your desired consistency - if you prefer it on the firmer side then it will take longer than the 5 minutes of shaking.

Once the ice cream is done, remove the bag and stir in any of the candies and what not that you would like.

My daughter having a blast shaking away

Science Saturdays - Lemon Fizz

Several experiments were done today (such as Mentos and Diet Coke, and a vinegar with baking soda fizz), but the next door neighbors were feeling left out and insisted that we make yet another experiment. Instead of hightailing it to the store, I decided to do a simple Google search to find something that would be in my home already. After a few minutes, I found the Lemon Fizz Project (courtesy of www.chemistry.about.com).

In it were all things I have in my house, and only took about 2 minutes to combine and carry out.

You will need:

Baking soda (the more you use, the bigger the fizz)
Liquid dish soap
Food coloring (this is optional, we didn't use any)
Lemon juice

In a cup, put in a teaspoon or more of baking soda. Then put in a few squirts of the liquid dish soap. This is the point that the food coloring is added. We chose to go the easier route and just have a white colored experiment. If you do want to make it with color, add a food coloring jell or capsule, or simply use a Kool-Aid packet. Now it is time for the action. Begin pouring in the lemon juice, and watch the mixture immediately begin to fizz.

The first time we tried the experiment, I placed about 2 teaspoons of baking soda in the bottom of the cup, and it took a lot of the lemon juice to work. The second time, I filled the cup a quarter of the way full with baking soda, and it took only a few drops of the lemon juice to get the results seen in the picture. The experiment is easy to clean up after, and is not a danger if it comes in contact with skin.