Yum, the taste of gingerbread cookies is something I definitely can’t pass up! Did you know that cookie baking is science too and also makes a fantastic Christmas theme science activity? It’s actually chemistry because a special chemical reaction occurs to give our cookies {and other baked good} a little lift. Try out this simple gingerbread man chemistry activity!
GINGERBREAD MAN CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENT FOR BAKING COOKIES
Science is fun. There are so many easy ways you can use simple science experiments to help kids explore the world around them. I am a huge believer in themed experiments too, and I know for my son they reinforce the basic concepts over and over again.
Holiday-themed science experiments including Christmas science activities can be super fun and work with what you already have. This year we are enjoying a gingerbread man theme for our science explorations including gingerbread man slime and crystal gingerbread men!
MAKE SURE TO BOOKMARK OUR LIST OF CHRISTMAS SCIENCE ACTIVITIES!
When I think of Christmas, I think of gingerbread men and gingerbread houses! Since we know baking cookies is a all about science, why not explore the chemistry in gingerbread men cookies. What makes the delicate puff of a cookie? A chemical reaction.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Dissolving Gingerbread Men Cookie Science
Our gingerbread man chemistry activity is kitchen science! Open up the cupboards and show the kids just what happens when you mix up a batch of cookie batter. All you need is the main chemical ingredient you usually add to your recipe.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Salt Crystal Gingerbread Man Science {another awesome kitchen chemistry project}
Check out a cool chemical reaction and you will never look at baking cookies the same way. What better excuse to whip up a batch of cookies than in the name of science. This gingerbread man science activity is all about checking out the chemical reaction that occurs between a couple of the ingredients
Now this gingerbread man chemistry activity is not a recipe for actually baking cookies, you can find a great recipe here. It definitely makes me want to drop everything and make cookies!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
—>>> FREE STEM Activities For Christmas
YOU WILL NEED:
- Baking Powder
- Water
- Cinnamon
- Eyedropper
- Cookie Cutters
- Tray or Plates
Set up your cookie cutters on a tray or plate to catch the mess. Add baking powder to the inside of the cookie-cutter, spreading out an even layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon to delight the senses too. Add a small container of water and an eyedropper.
WHAT’S THE CHEMISTRY?
Baking powder has both an acid and a base already combined. All it needs is to be moistened by whatever liquid is being added to the mix.
Baking soda eruptions need vinegar or another acidic liquid to create the eruption. However, they both let off carbon dioxide gas which causes the rise in the cookies.
Check out the reaction. It doesn’t have quite the wow factor of our regular baking soda reactions, but this is still awesome science for kids to learn about. And if you follow it up with some cookie baking, you will be their hero.
EXPLORE THE SCIENCE
Test out different liquids. Look up recipes and see what else might used besides water. Test the chemical reaction.
I love checking out simple science experiments like our gingerbread man chemistry because it is so easy for kids to relate too. If you pair an experiment with a fun theme, you can create a lasting memory too.
CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD MAN CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENT
Click on the photos below for more awesome Christmas science ideas for kids!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?
We have you covered…
—>>> FREE STEM Activities For Christmas
This is an amazing idea! My kid will love this experiment. Thanks for sharing!