Ice cream for science
Rachelle Holmes’ cheeks puffed up as she blew on a red balloon; she looked at children gathered in front of her and said “today is science.”
Holmes, an undeclared freshman, then held the balloon above salt and pepper while children watched how the static interrupts the atmosphere.
The experiment was part of the Little Aggie Activities, which are usually held the second Saturday of each month at the Utah State University Bookstore.
This month the children who participated also had stories read to them and made ice cream.
Stacey Kelly, resident of Logan, said her husband works for USU and that’s how she heard about the activities.
“It’s a good outing for kids,” she said. “I think the ice cream [making] will be their favorite.”
Desiree Jenks, employed at the development office, said she heard about the activities through some posters and decided to bring her daughter.
“I think it’s great, fun and she interacts,” Jenks said. “She does things [here] she normally wouldn’t do.”
Her daughter, Ari, said she enjoyed going to the activity.
“We put milk and sugar in a small bag then we get a big bag and mix it with ice,” she said.
Many children’s faces lit up as they watched Holmes bring out milk, chocolate and strawberry syrup with plastic bags.
Holmes then explained to the participants how to make ice cream using two plastic bags, ice and ingredients. Adults helped children moving the bag back and forth, waiting for the mix to become ice cream.
Ari and her mother tossed their bag back and forth.
“It’s a good way to mix,” Ari said. “And it’s cold.”
Her favorite story was about a character that broke his heart, which was really “his science experiment,” she said.
Although usually other volunteers help with the activities, this time Holmes was alone.
“It was crazy at times, but fun,” Holmes said. “Ice cream is good any time of year.”
The next Little Aggies Activity is scheduled for March 13, and will follow the theme “Storybook Music Box.”
-srkrebs@cc.usu.edu