I know that school projects can get old, but I have to say that John’s teacher does a GREAT job with picking good ones. I think they are really so much more valuable than a page of homework ripped out of a text book. They reinforce what they are learning at school in a FUN and engaging way and, more importantly, they teach real life skills like project management, determining a vision and the steps needed to get there, oral and visual presentation skills, time management and so much more. So, while they do take some parental supervision and sometimes direct involvement, isn’t that really want being a parent is all about?!
This particular assignment was to pick or create a recipe with at least five ingredients. They had to turn in a paper with the original recipe and then show the math used to 1. double the recipe and 2. increase the recipe to serve 30. Then they had to creatively think of a way to present their recipe to the class. Points were given for originality of the recipe, fraction math, creativity of the display and overall presentation. Bonus points were given if they actually made their dish and brought to class!
John immediately discounted brownies and cookies, feeling that “everyone” would do that. But, he has a major sweet tooth. So, home made ice cream was the obvious choice :-) In order to score originality points, he started with a basic vanilla ice cream recipe (no raw eggs or cooking involved) and added mint flavoring, chocolate chips AND green food coloring. This also served to get him the 5+ ingredient requirement.
I made him go to the grocery store with me to shop for his ingredients, much to his dismay. I mean, I figure if I’m buying the least he can do is come along for the shopping and choosing of his ingredients. (More real life lessons that can come from school projects.)
He excitedly set to work on his ice cream….
… and it turned out DELISH!!!!
After the food was complete, he made his display. He used a cardboard box and a green poster board to make it look like ice ream. His handwriting and illustration skills are horrific (and he knows it), so he tends to print or cut things for displays like this. Using the packaging from the ingredients was a great solution.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp mint extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Place all ingredients except chocolate chips in medium mixing bowl and combine. Pour into freezer bowl of electric ice cream maker. Turn on and mix until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in chocolate chips during last 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer to airtight container and place in freezer until firm.
Our family favorite for mint chocolate chip ice cream is definitely the little shop in France in Epcot. But, in a pinch, this one is really quite good as well :-)
xoxo
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What a smarty! This is another fun project (and I love the display)!
Great project!! John did a fantastic job! My boys are 12 and 14 and we too learned long ago how to get around having to hand-write on our presentations! This, to me, is what “common core” should be- real life ways to use math, not just new and crazy ways to find answers on paper! We are in Georgia (Rome) too, so I’m familiar with the current standards, etc… Kuddos to John’s teacher!
I wish we had had this fun kind of projects when I was in grade school. It’s a lot better than the old match burning in a milk bottle with a peeled boiled egg perched on top. Yes, I learned about oxygen and vacuum and so on, but what do you do with a whole boiled egg stuck in the bottom of that bottle? Eating Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream–no problem with that, at all!
John did a great job! I really love this assignment. I hope my boys get teachers like the one he has this year. Kids (and adults) learn so much more by actually applying the concepts to real life situations. He will remember this much longer.
Hi Amanda,
I know this is off topic, but I wanted to ask about Elsa. We are considering a puppy and I’m wondering if Elsa is a Goldendoodle? We are trying to decide between standard Golden Retrievers and “Doodles”, and I wanted to know your thoughts. I grew up with Golden Retrievers, and loved them, but love the idea of a low-shedding breed! We have two kids, 9 and 5, so obviously that’s a big factor in choosing a breed!
Thanks
Dee
Great job, John!!! I love his presentation board! :-)
I remember those years well!!
So cute…..what a fun project. Love it when kids get in the kitchen….
What a great project!!!
so how many people does this recipe serve?
Gosh, this was so long ago. I think it had to serve his class, which was about 24 kids. Although I’m not certain of the portion size.