Kitchen Science

Budding kitchen helpers can learn many science and math concepts while pouring, mixing, and measuring!

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Activity Ideas

Even if you’ve never involved your kids in the kitchen before, it’s never too late to start!

If you have young children, find a safe place for your child to observe what happens on the stovetop while you’re cooking - like a tall chair or a sturdy step-stool. Ask them to describe what they see, smell, and hear when you’re cooking. What happens when you pour a raw egg into a hot pan - how does it change?

If you have older children, you can incorporate math and science concepts into cooking by asking them to figure out how much of each ingredient you’d need if you wanted to double or halve the recipe.

Easy

Mason Jar Whipped Cream

Illustration of a couple standing in the background as their kids make whipped cream in mason jars.

Want to experience some kitchen magic? Whip liquid cream into a solid with this easy and delicious kitchen science activity!

Moderate

Magic Milk

A kid drops food coloring onto a red plastic plate containing milk and observes the resultant patterns.

Really want to WOW your kids? Show them how they can make magical color bursts in milk! It’s fun, easy, and requires simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Challenging

Pancake Science

A young girl mixes up pancake ingredients on top of a large sheet of paper with the recipe and measurements. Image from PBS Kids for Parents.

Cooking up a plate of fluffy buttermilk pancakes isn’t just a great life skill, it’s also an opportunity to work in some serious math and science lessons. Plus, the results are delicious!

Advanced

Marvelous Meringues

Cooling rack containing a bunch of swirly top meringues. Image CC BY 2.0 Ruth Hartnup

Go from slimy egg white, to fluffy foam, to a rock solid and delicious cookie while learning the science behind the marvelous meringue.