Ice Cream Unit Study
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Summertime is the perfect time of year for an ice cream unit study. The weather is hot, ice cream trucks are cruising through neighborhoods, and most traditional schoolwork has been set aside.
I believe that we can make learning fun by incorporating things that our children naturally find interesting. The possibilities are endless!
My kids seem to learn through their stomachs, and I’m sure they are not alone. It is not a coincidence that their favorite homeschool activities have included a semester-long chocolate unit study, making a cell model out of candy, and poetry teatime with sweet snacks.
Treats keep their attention, and I can work with that.
This ice cream unit study is a fun way for elementary-age kiddos to practice language arts, math, history, and science skills over the summer.
Ice Cream Unit Study Ideas
Books
Curious About Ice Cream (Smithsonian) by Bonnie Bader
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kids can learn all about the history of ice cream with this informative book.
Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Every time I see a book by Gail Gibbons, I know it will be a quality resource. This book is no exception.
Kids will learn all about the history of ice cream and the current production process. Kids can follow the process from farm to factory to grocery store freezers.
The Scoop on Ice Cream by Bonnie Williams
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This level 3 reader is perfect for elementary-age kiddos who want to learn more about the history of ice cream. It even includes a section in the back of the book related to geography and science. It is the perfect addition to any ice cream unit study.
Milk to Ice Cream by Lisa M. Herrington
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Milk to Ice Cream explains the scientific process milk undergoes when it changes to ice cream. The simple explanation is perfect for preschoolers.
Hands-On Educational Activities
Ice Cream Comparisons
Kids will love this ice cream unit study activity because they get to eat ice cream!
Choose at least two types of ice cream and then ask the kids to compare them. Help them make a list of adjectives that fit each flavor to get in a little language arts practice. You can even introduce Venn diagrams this way.
Astronaut freeze-dried ice cream adds an unexpected twist to the comparison. Can kids find any similarities to traditional ice cream?
- A CLASSIC TREAT. Enjoy our creamy ice cream sandwiches with a cosmic crunch. Whether you’re spending the day on the lake, hosting a party, or just want the…
- A TASTE OF ADVENTURE. Lightweight, portable, and individually packaged, our ice cream sandwiches make for an easy backpacking or hiking snack. They pair…
- TREAT YOURSELF. Ice cream that won’t melt? We’ve got it. Astronaut Ice Cream is easy to pack, whether on the trail or out of this world. Choose from a…
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
At some point during this ice cream unit study, your kids are going to want to build ice cream sundaes. Make it a learning opportunity!
Set out their favorite flavors of ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, and sprinkles. Label each item with a cost. Let them build a sundae complete with a variety of toppings, but ask them to calculate the cost.
This free printable game is a fun way to practice building compound words. Kids select two scoops of ice cream to create compound words. This is a great free addition to any elementary ice cream unit study.
This free printable ice cream unit study worksheet is a great way for kids to practice descriptive writing. Inventing their own flavor of ice cream is sure to inspire them.
Depending on the creation, you might even consider letting your kids actually make their new flavor.
This cute printable activity is a great way for elementary-age kiddos to practice place value.
Each ice cream cone has a numeral. Each ice cream scoop shows groups of base ten blocks. Kids match them up to create a complete ice cream treat.
Root Beer Float States of Matter
Root beer floats are an excellent way to teach the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas).
The root beer is the liquid.
The ice cream is the solid (or at least starts out that way!)
The carbonated bubbles are the gas.
Ice Cream Themed Crafts
Invitation to Craft – Ice Cream Cones
Taking a few minutes to set up this ice cream-themed craft station will entertain your kiddos for quite a while.
Set up a tray with all of the supplies needed – construction paper, glue sticks, and markers or crayons so it is ready whenever your kids want a little art project.
When my kids were in preschool and elementary school, I would set up little craft stations like this a few times a week.
Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Sticker Book
Last update on 2026-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sticker books are great to keep on hand. They are such an easy, no-prep craft!
Put them in a boredom-busting basket for times when kids need a little help thinking of something to do. Sticker books are also a great thing to keep in your purse for those times you need to occupy your kiddos while you are out of the house.
Combine flour, water, baking soda, salt, and food coloring to create your own puffy paint. Kids can use this homemade craft material to paint their favorite ice cream treats.
Videos about Ice Cream
This short TED-Ed video will explain one theory about how the popsicle was invented.
Dr. Maya, the Ice Cream Scientist
This collection of videos is on Instagram, so your children will need your help to view them.
Dr. Maya, aka the Ice Cream Scientist, creates delicious ice cream every week live on Instagram. She posts the flavor and ingredient list early in the week so you can make the ice cream live with her (or watch it later on her IGTV).
She has a PhD in food science and works as a lead ice cream scientist for Cold Stone Creamery. If you have questions about ice cream, she is the expert.
Ice Cream Field Trips
We can’t all go tour the Ben and Jerry’s factory (especially right now with COVID closures), but we can take a behind-the-scenes tour virtually.
The Cow to Cone virtual field trip shows the 13 steps required to turn milk into the frozen treat in your grocery store.
Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop
Local businesses are often happy to give tours to homeschool groups. Kids can learn about ice cream, customer service, advertising, and aspects of running a small business.
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