The chemistry of cooking

Science Year 5
This unit is part of Year 5 Science Changing Materials

Objectives

Let’s hope it doesn’t get too hot in the kitchen as you investigate and explore the gourmet side to chemistry. Take an enquiry based approach to the science of baking bread and cakes, and explore the weird and wonderful world of eggs!

Science Objectives
i) Explain that some changes result in the formation of new materials, and that this kind of change is not usually reversible, including changes associated with burning and the action of acid on bicarbonate of soda.

Working Scientifically

  1. Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
  2. Record results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels.
  3. Take measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
  4. Use test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests.
  5. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in written forms.

Other Curriculum Areas
Computing

  • Understand the opportunities that the www offers for communication and collaboration. Select, use and combine software (including Internet services) to design and create content.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

  • Baked goods ingredients list/images

Additional Resources

  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Vinegar
  • 1L plastic bottle
  • Balloons
  • Bread and cake ingredients
  • Jelly
  • Eggs
  • Access to cooking facilities
  • Access to the Internet
  • Video recording devices

Weblinks
Blow up a balloon with yeast from https://sciencebob.com

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Plan and carry out irreversible cooking investigations that may create some new materials.
  • Record and present methods, findings and further investigations in written form.

Activities

  1. Cook and bake noting the irreversible changes that occur.
  2. Plan and carry out investigations into the impact of certain ingredients on an end product.
  3. Create an investigation webpage with an embedded video and pin it to a Pinterest board.

Vocabulary
Variables, accuracy, precision, enquiry, new material, not usually reversible, gas given off, degree of trust