Ice Cream Challenge
Level 3, Year 5–6
Term 3
Let's chill! Ākonga experiment with flavour, texture, and techniques, using dairy or alternative ingredients to create their own sweet treat. In rōpū, they'll explore states of matter, food composition and nutrition and discover the science behind ice cream innovation.
Kaiako are supported with a high-value ice cream kit, ākonga learning material, and detailed lesson plans completely free of charge. Where possible, classes are matched with a volunteer STEM professional to build confidence and give them the scoop on future career opportunities.
Registrations for 2026 will open later in 2025.
NOURISHED BY
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States of matter
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Microbiology
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Food composition
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Sensory analysis
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Scientific inquiry process
How it works
Any kaiako or industry STEM professional in Aotearoa can register their interest to take part. They must be available to participate in Term 3. They then complete some easy-peasy online training and we contact ambassadors to assess their suitability. Once ready to scoop, we work to match every school and volunteer Wonder Project Ambassador so they can provide the best learning experience for ākonga. We then send out access to our online Learning Hub packed with all the ākonga learning content and challenge guide, and send out our epic free ice cream kits.
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Register your interest online
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Watch videos to prepare
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Get matched with a local school or STEM professional
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Receive free ice cream kit
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Inspire ākonga with the Ice Cream Challenge
Ice Cream Challenge Ambassadors
If you're a STEM professional, we'd love you to join our community of Wonder Project Ambassadors on the Ice Cream Challenge. Once you’ve registered online, we'll get in touch to discuss what's involved and get you started with the training you need to feel confident supporting a kaiako. We'll then match you with a local participating school to start your sweet journey.
And there's no need to be an ice cream expert to get involved! Everything you need to know about the challenge is in our online Learning Hub, with a challenge guide, ākonga learning material and helpful videos.
The challenge takes classes 1–2 hours per week across 6–8 weeks to complete, but you only need to be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to visit the classroom – either in person or online.
Ice Cream Challenge Teachers
Getting your class involved in the Ice Cream Challenge is easy! Simply register online (each participating kaiako needs to register separately). Once we’ve confirmed your spot based on challenge capacity, we’ll get to work to try and match you with a local STEM professional.
Before the end of Term 2, you'll receive access to our online Learning Hub with a challenge guide, ākonga learning material and helpful videos, to ensure you feel confident before the challenge. You’ll also receive your free ice cream kit! Kits are carefully curated with STEM equipment worth over $300, to ensure you and your ākonga have a sweet STEM adventure! You’ll need to supply some items, like ice and an electric beater, to whip up your tasty creations.
The challenge takes around 1–2 hours per week for 6–8 weeks to complete. Your ambassador will be available for at least 3 hours during the challenge to support the class, so use their time wisely!