Have fun with this taste safe sensory play foam made with ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen! This edible shaving foam or aquafaba as it is commonly known is made from the water chick peas are cooked in. You can use it as a substitute for egg in baking, or even better as a fun non-toxic play foam for little ones! We love simple messy play ideas!
HOW TO MAKE SENSORY CHICK PEA FOAM
AQUAFABA FOAM
Wondering how to introduce your kindergartener or preschooler to science? There is much you can teach young kids in science. Keep the activities playful and simple as you mix in a little of the “science” along the way.
Check out more science activities for preschoolers!
Stir up curiosity in your Jr. Scientist by involving them in the process of making this awesome chickpea or aquafaba foam. Do you think it looks like edible shaving cream?
Encourage kids to make observations with their 5 senses throughout the activity.
- What does it look like?
- What does it smell like?
- How does it feel?
- What sounds does it make?
- What does it taste like?
Chick pea foam is safe to taste but you wouldn’t want to be consuming large amounts of it!
THE SCIENCE OF FOAM
Foams are made by trapping gas bubbles inside a liquid or a solid. Shaving cream and dish washing suds are examples of foam, which are mostly gas and a little bit of liquid. A smoothie, whipped cream and meringue made from whipped egg whites are examples of food foams.
Aquafaba or chick pea water is the liquid leftover from cooking chick peas and it makes a great foam. Chickpeas like other legumes or beans contain proteins and saponins.
The combined presence of these substances in chickpea liquid means that, when agitated and air is added to the mixture, it will produce a foam.
The cream of tartar is a stabilizing ingredient that simply helps create the foam faster and make it firmer.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR PRINTABLE AQUAFABA RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE CHICK PEA FOAM
SUPPLIES:
- 1 can chick peas
- Food coloring
- Cream of tartar
- Mixer or whisk
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Drain one can of chick peas and save the liquid.
STEP 2: Add 1/2 a teaspoon of cream of tartar.
STEP 3: Add food coloring (optional) and mix for 5 minutes with a whisk or electric mixer.
STEP 4: Once you have reached a consistency that is similar to shaving cream you are ready to play!
Add the foam to a large container or tray with some fun play accessories. Clean up with water when done!
MORE PLAY IDEAS WITH CHICK PEA FOAM
This sensory foam is perfect for an afternoon of play! You can lay down a shower curtain or tablecloth under the container to minimize the mess.
If it’s a nice day, take it outside and it won’t matter if you get foam everywhere.
Here are few simple play ideas…
- Set up a treasure hunt with plastic or acrylic jewels.
- Add a favorite theme with plastic figures .
- Add foam letters or numbers for an early learning activity.
- Make an ocean theme.
When you are done with your foam, wash it down the drain!
ENJOY AQUAFABA FOAM FOR SENSORY SCIENCE
Click on the photo below or on the link for more fun sensory play ideas for kids.
