Cooking Up Science

By Scott Brewster

Maybe not all kids love science class in school, but we know from our experience at UNCG All-Arts, Sciences + Technology Camp all kids love doing fun science experiments. You know the ones I mean– making volcanoes explode with baking soda, making light bulbs illuminate with a wool scarf, tie-dying T-shirts! Well, I’ve discovered a cool web site that combines the fun of science experiments with another thing that kids love-food! The Science of Cooking is a site where kids of all ages can explore recipes, activities, and webcasts that can help them understand the science behind food and cooking. Want to learn how to make your own Lifesavers or know what makes bread rise? Look no further.

One cool experiment on the site involves making naked eggs (yep! you heard right). The experiment uses vinegar to dissolve the shell—without breaking the membrane that holds the egg together. This leaves a cool translucent shell that you can see through! It’s a little gross but it shows how acid (vinegar) will dissolve calcium carbonate (the eggshell) while not dissolving the membrane

The site also includes cool activities for making various types of candies, breads, seasonings, and meats… and learning a little about the science behind the recipes!

So, if you’re looking for something fun and science-y to do with items found in your own kitchen, navigate over to The Science of Cooking site. There are pages and pages of things to keep you entertained for hours!

Also check out one of the fun experiments we use at camp!