Science of Baking

An interesting way to bring the kitchen into a science lab. It talks about the varying pH levels of cake mixes (something that was new to me) and introduces high school students to the Maill... See More

An interesting way to bring the kitchen into a science lab. It talks about the varying pH levels of cake mixes (something that was new to me) and introduces high school students to the Maillard reaction (browning). While buying eight hasbro ovens is not something practical to do in a single year, I can see myself buying a couple each year and making some modifications such as baking cookies instead of the cakes, so multiple groups can use the oven simultaneously. Another option is to try caramelizing which does not require an oven, but does introduce the idea of browning.

Easy Bake Chemistry for Middle School

Who doesn’t remember their old easy-bake over or the newer one presently out there. This teacher presents two activities that use easy bake ovens in the classroom. The first on is about ch... See More

Who doesn’t remember their old easy-bake over or the newer one presently out there. This teacher presents two activities that use easy bake ovens in the classroom. The first on is about chemical and physical change and the second is about pH. While I like the use of these ovens and the activities described in the article are good the cost of providing enough ovens for a classroom might be prohibitive if one had to purchase them with their own monies.