baking bread

Math

• The child learned about measurement and fractions while following the recipe for baking bread. They had to measure ingredients in specific quantities and understand how to divide and multiply fractions to adjust the recipe for different serving sizes.
• They practiced counting and sequencing steps by following the recipe instructions in order.
• The child learned about time and elapsed time by monitoring the bread's baking time and understanding how long it takes for the dough to rise.
• They also learned about shapes and geometry by manipulating the dough into different shapes like rolls or loaves.

Science

• The child learned about the chemical reactions that occur during the bread-making process. They observed how the yeast ferments and produces carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise.
• They learned about the importance of temperature in activating the yeast and how different temperatures can affect the outcome of the bread.
• The child explored the concept of changes of state as they observed the dough go from a sticky mixture to a firm, baked bread.
• They also learned about nutrition and the different nutrients found in bread ingredients like flour, yeast, and water.

Continuing to develop their understanding of math and science through baking bread can be done by introducing more complex recipes with advanced measurements and calculations. Encourage the child to experiment with different types of bread, incorporating various ingredients like seeds or fruits. They can also research and explore the history and cultural significance of bread in different societies.

Book Recommendations

• The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges: A story about a hen who bakes a pizza from scratch, teaching the importance of hard work and determination.
• Bread Comes to Life by George Levenson: This book explores the journey of bread from wheat fields to the bakery, explaining the science behind bread-making.
• Everybody Bakes Bread by Norah Dooley: A multicultural story where different families come together to bake bread, highlighting the diversity of bread-making traditions around the world.