#CampDIY Day 19: Let's do a Split!
Make a banana split sundae with adult help, practice careful slicing and arranging toppings, and learn about measurements, portions, and food safety.
Step-by-step guide to make a banana split sundae
Photosynthesis | HHMI BioInteractive Video
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
Step 2
Put all the Materials Needed on a clean counter so everything is ready.
Step 3
Ask an adult to put the banana on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise into two long halves.
Step 4
Place the two banana halves open-side up in the bowl or banana split dish.
Step 5
Use the 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop three 1/2 cup portions of ice cream and place the scoops in a row between the banana halves.
Step 6
Measure 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup with a measuring spoon.
Step 7
Pour the measured chocolate syrup evenly over the three scoops.
Step 8
Measure 1 teaspoon of sprinkles with a measuring spoon and sprinkle them over the scoops.
Step 9
Measure 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts with a measuring spoon and sprinkle them over the scoops.
Step 10
Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each ice cream scoop using a spoon.
Step 11
Place a maraschino cherry on the whipped cream of your favorite scoop.
Step 12
Ask an adult to put any leftover ice cream back in the freezer and to wash the knife and cutting board.
Step 13
Share a photo of your banana split sundae and tell one thing you measured or learned about portions on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have measuring spoons, a maraschino cherry, or a banana split dish?
Use a regular teaspoon or tablespoon from the kitchen drawer instead of measuring spoons, substitute a halved strawberry or a small pineapple chunk for the maraschino cherry, and serve the banana halves and scoops in a cereal bowl or shallow plate in place of a banana split dish while following the same steps.
What should I do if the ice cream is too hard to scoop or the banana squashes when trying to slice it?
Let the ice cream sit on the counter for about 5 minutes before using the 1/2 cup measuring cup to scoop, and ask an adult to hold the banana steady on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise with a sharp knife to avoid squashing.
How can I adapt the steps for younger children or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-slice the banana and pre-scoop the ice cream while the child measures sprinkles and adds whipped cream, and for older kids let them measure the 1/2 cup portions, use the measuring spoons for syrup and nuts, and take the photo to post on DIY.org.
How can we personalize or extend the banana split activity after following the measured steps?
Make mini banana splits with smaller bowls and 1/4 cup scoops, swap chocolate syrup for caramel or fruit sauce, add sliced strawberries or other fruit with the measured toppings, and compare portions before sharing your photo on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a banana split sundae
Photosynthesis
4 Videos
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis: The Biochemistry Behind How Plants Make Their Food
Photosynthesis 🌷 | What is photosynthesis? | Step-by-step process
Photosynthesis: Crash Course Biology #8
Facts about kids' cooking and food safety
🔪 A sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it needs less force to cut — always have an adult help with slicing.
🍌 Bananas are technically berries — botanically they’re considered berries!
📏 One typical ice cream scoop is about 1/2 cup, so counting scoops helps you measure portions quickly.
🍨 The banana split was invented in 1904 by David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
🧼 Washing hands for at least 20 seconds before making food is one of the best ways to stop germs.
How do you make a banana split sundae?
What materials do I need for a banana split activity?
What ages is this banana split activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for making a banana split?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required