Baked cookies

Science

• The child learned about the chemical reactions that occur during baking, such as the Maillard reaction that gives cookies their golden brown color.
• They also learned about the role of ingredients like baking soda and baking powder in creating the texture of the cookies.
• The child explored the concept of heat transfer as they observed how the cookies changed from dough to solid cookies in the oven.
• They gained an understanding of food safety and the importance of proper hygiene practices while handling and preparing the cookie dough.

After the activity, encourage the child to explore different variations of cookie recipes, experimenting with ingredients like different types of flour, sweeteners, or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. They can also research the science behind other baking techniques, such as the creaming method or the role of leavening agents in different baked goods.

Book Recommendations

• The Great Cookie Mystery by John Stewart: Join a group of sixth-graders as they solve a mystery involving stolen cookie recipes and unravel the science behind baking.
• Cooking Up Science: The Science Behind Food by Laura Perdew: This book explores the science of cooking and baking, including the chemical reactions and transformations that occur in the kitchen.
• The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat: This humorous picture book follows four friends as they try to share three cookies, teaching mathematical concepts like fractions and problem-solving along the way.