Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a lecturer and the Director of Demonstrations and Outreach at The University of Texas in Austin, and an internet famous chemist who creates impressive explosions for students all across Texas. In this demonstration with KUT Austin‘s Mose Buchele, she shows how to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen.
The recipe: One cup of sugar, two tablespoons of vanilla, a splash of flavoring (mint, coffee, etc.), a dash of salt, 1/3 gallon of whole milk, and liquid nitrogen.
Plus: Lab coat, safety goggles, protective gloves, and parental supervision required. Liquid nitrogen can splash into eyes or cause frostbite with prolonged contact with skin. MAKE has safety recommendations here: Liquid Nitrogen Basics for the Home Chef.
Also, check out some of Dr. Biberdorf’s explosive demonstrations for kids in this Great Big Story video:
Reminder: Dr. Biberdorf is an expert. As always, don’t conduct fire experiments without an adult present and safety precautions in place. This video is also an excellent conversation starter for fire prevention and safety, as well as for using matches as tools.
Related listening with Dr. Biberdorf and host Jane Lindholm in Vermont Public Radio’s But Why? podcast for curious kids: How does slime work?
Next: How to make fizzy bottle rockets, instant ice crystals, levitating Superconductor on a Möbius strip, Exploding Elements: Alkali metals in water, and Candle Chemistry.Bonus: Liquid Nitrogen and 1500 Ping Pong Balls.
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