Science Smarts: Kickstarting the mind after the winter break

By Patty Rooks on January 6, 2024.

Sometimes the winter break can get a bit long and we are looking for things to do. As the winter break comes to an end, what better way to get those young minds thinking once again than some science? This experiment is going to make you think for sure as we create some fun treats using a bit of kitchen chemistry. Let’s get started!

*An adult must help you with this experiment.

Materials

– Sucrose

– Concentrated liquid sucrose

– Potassium tartrate

– Lactose

– Food colouring

– Oil of peppermint

– Saucepan

– Measuring cups

– Measuring spoons

– Heat source

– Candy thermometer

– Aluminum foil

– Stirring utensils

Procedure

1. Decipher the list of chemicals you have. They are really easy, and I am pretty certain many of you have them in your kitchen already!

– sucrose = table sugar

– concentrated liquid sucrose = clear corn syrup

– potassium tartrate = cream of tartar

– lactose = milk

2. Measure 60 mL (1/4 cup) of sugar. Add to the saucepan.

3. Measure 8 mL (1 ½ tsp) milk. Add to the saucepan.

4. Measure 10 mL (2 tsp) clear corn syrup and 1.25 mL (1/4 tsp) cream of tartar. Add both to the saucepan.

5. Stirring often, heat the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 93C (200F).

6. Once you reach the temperature, remove from the heat and cover for 2 minutes.

7. Return to the heat and stir until it reaches 116ËšC (240ËšF) or sometimes called the soft ball stage.

8. Remove from heat and add a couple of drops of peppermint oil.

9. Stir carefully – it is hot!

10. Pour the mixture in drops on the foil. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Explanation

I bet you did not even know that you were doing a chemistry experiment. This quick and easy (not to mention delicious) science activity can easily be pulled together with some simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Try investigation other “chemicals” you can find in your kitchen. For instance sodium bicarbonate – any guesses? Have fun exploring your kitchen!

We have a few spaces for our Operation Minerva Conference on January 30. This is open to ALL grade nine girls that are interested in STEM. It is a day of STEM with mentoring and hands on workshops. Send me an email and I will get you an application – NOTE: space is limited!

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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