This week, EY4 continued their exploration with travel as the theme. Their next stop on the global journey took them to Italy, renowned for its culinary empire. Pizza, pasta, gelato, and more are representative delicacies of Italy. After tasting their own handmade pasta, the children demonstrated a strong interest in Italian gelato. Let's follow the path of the EY4 children and embark on a "delicious" scientific exploration together!

Before commencing the experiment, the children engaged in meticulous observation of the materials arranged on the table: cream, sugar, salt, vanilla essence, and ice cubes. Their curiosity was palpable as they eagerly explored each element, reaching out to touch the cold ice cubes and inhaling the scent of the cream, forging an intimate connection with these ingredients.

Throughout the observation process, the children's minds brimmed with inquisitive questions. "What can we create using these materials?" "Is it possible to make ice cream without a refrigerator?" "What purpose does salt serve?" These queries fueled their excitement, and they eagerly anticipated commencing the experiment to uncover the answers they sought.

Prior to conducting the experiment, the children confidently put forth their own hypotheses, drawing upon their observations and prior knowledge. Their imaginative minds led them to propose various ideas, with some suggesting that the ingredients could be used to create a delicious cake, while others believed they could concoct a delightful batch of ice cream. Furthermore, some children even speculated that the addition of salt might expedite the process of transforming cream into ice cream.

In the next stage, the children eagerly embarked on an exhilarating and immersive experimental phase. With utmost care, they combined the cream, sugar, and vanilla essence in a securely sealed bag, which they then placed within another bag containing ice cubes and salt. Filled with anticipation, they sealed the outer bag tightly, ready to embark on a shaking adventure. As they vigorously shook the bag, their faces lit up with excitement, feeling the temperature change and witnessing the magical mingling of ingredients within. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder, as the children eagerly anticipated the delightful results of their thrilling experiment.

Following an energetic session of shaking, the children excitedly unsealed the bag and were met with a delightful surprise - perfectly formed ice cream. Bursting with joy, they erupted in cheers and couldn't wait to savour their creation. With eager anticipation, they scooped generous portions with spoons, relishing the moment. The texture was undeniably smooth and creamy, while the taste was a symphony of sweetness and delight. Astonishingly, their homemade ice cream surpassed even the finest store-bought varieties, leaving them in awe of their remarkable accomplishment.

Through this captivating experiment, the inquisitive minds of the children led them to intriguing discoveries. They arrived at the following fascinating conclusions: the addition of salt effectively reduces the temperature of the ice, hastening the freezing process of the ice cream, while the act of shaking contributes to achieving a smoother texture. Their scientific exploration unravelled these captivating insights, unlocking a deeper understanding of the magical world of ice cream creation.

This remarkable experiment not only validated the children's original hypotheses but also provided them with a firsthand encounter with the enchantment and joy of scientific exploration. As we reflect on their achievements, let us eagerly anticipate their future endeavours, knowing that they will continue to nurture their innate curiosity and adventurous spirit!