This minimum 90-minute STEAM project helps 2nd-grade students develop problem-solving and flexibility as they turn liquid ingredients into ice cream without a machine. Through a “shake-freeze-pass” process, children build connectedness and teamwork by rotating roles and supporting each other during the experiment. Students sharpen their reasoned based thinking by observing how temperature and motion change materials, adjusting their strategy if the mixture does not freeze evenly. The session concludes with a reflection where teams evaluate their collaboration and suggest improvements for future scientific trials.
SPIRIT Skill Focus
- Connectedness
- Valuing people and nature
- Sense of wonder / Curiosity / Openness
Complementary/Secondary SPIRIT Skill(s)
- Flexibility
- Problem-solving
Basic Information Sheet
| Age group | Student number | Duration | Number of stages | Subjects connection and relevance |
| 2nd grade students | 12-14 students in small groups | minimum 90 minutes | 5 stages | natural sciences (states of matter, temperature change), Social-Emotional Learning |
This session playfully introduces children to scientific observation as they watch a liquid turn into ice cream. Teachers guide the critical shaking phase using a “musical statues” game, which helps manage energy levels and ensures a fair, peaceful rotation of roles within the team. Alongside science concepts like cooling and states of matter, students practice hygiene and care for their peers’ food allergies. It is highly recommended to choose this activity because it teaches cause-and-effect relationships through the creation of a highly appealing, everyday treat. Furthermore, the delicious, instant result guarantees enthusiasm and naturally builds strong teamwork among the students..
National Curriculum Link and Objectives
- Observe and describe a change of state (liquid → semi-solid) through cooling and mixing.
- Understand in a simple way that ice + salt gets colder and helps freezing happen.
- Practice basic measuring (cups/spoons) and following a sequence safely.
- Build vocabulary: freeze, melt, shake, cold, mix, teamwork, share, experiment.
- Explore cause–effect: shaking, spreading, time, and temperature impact results.