In this inquiry, students will be shown how to make ice cream. They will, using scaffolded handouts from Smarter Science Canada, select one variable to modify to increase the amount of heat transfer that happens between the cream and the ice/salt mixture. They will choose an independent variable to change out of a brainstormed list. Students will then pick one variable to test. Students will be given the dependent variable (how fast the temperature of the cream mixture drops or time taken to get the cream to a certain temperature). If students are not familiar with the scientific process, they can do a pair of skill builders (penny drop and floating candles), followed by demonstrations and a literacy connection about the science of ice cream. After the main inquiry of making ice cream, the teacher may choose an extension inquiry on another physical property, the M&M Solubility Inquiry.
Other Resources:
https://www.thoughtco.com/instant-slushy-how-to-606424