Kitchen Chemistry
In this 5-week course, learners will explore scientific concepts such as acidity, fermentation, chemical reactions and microbes, using everyday ingredients from their kitchen. There will be lots of experiments for learners to take part in.
What's included
5 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Kitchen Chemistry is a hands-on, interactive series of online meetings designed to bring the wonders of science into your home through fun and engaging kitchen experiments. This 5-lesson course is perfect for middle school students keen to explore scientific concepts such as acidity, fermentation, chemical reactions and microbes — using everyday ingredients found in the kitchen. Each lesson will include easy-to-follow instructions, requiring a small bit of preparation before class, such as gathering simple ingredients or setting up basic equipment. By blending learning with real-world kitchen experiments, students will not only understand the science behind cooking but also have fun creating, observing, and tasting their way through the course!
Learning Goals
To explore key scientific ideas in the context of common household materials.To understand and explain simple chemical reactions.
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
The Science of Acidity and pH in the Kitchen
Learners will understand the concept of acidity and the pH scale, and how they apply to common kitchen ingredients. Learners will test the pH of different household solutions (e.g., lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda) using a homemade pH indicator. They will then explore how acidity affects cooking by curdling milk with lemon juice to make buttermilk.
After the lesson, you will receive a recipe for turning your homemade buttermilk into yummy muffins. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Power of Yeast: Bubble Science
Learners will explore the process of fermentation and the role of yeast in baking and food production.
They will learn about the key biological concepts of aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Students will demonstrate yeast fermentation by investigating how to inflate a balloon with the power of yeast, and comparing this to other raising agents
After the lesson, a recipe will be given to you so you can turn your yeast mixture into yummy bread. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Physical and Chemical Changes in Cooking
Learners will differentiate between physical and chemical changes by observing kitchen experiments.
They will explore the key concepts of physical change, chemical change, dissolving and conservation of mass.
Learners will learn about dissolving and crystallization by producing a rock candy stick.
Please note: the rock candy experiment will require adult supervision due to the high temperature of the sugar solution. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Emulsions and Mixtures
Learners will explore emulsions and investigate how certain ingredients can mix substances that normally separate.
They will be introduced to the concepts of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, and emulsifiers.
Learners will investigate how oil and water behave without and with an emulsifier.
After the lesson, students will be provided with a recipe for a simple vinaigrette dressing to try out for themselves. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some aspects of the class may require some adult supervision, dependent on the child's age and confidence using kitchen equipment. For example, using a knife to cut an ingredient or heating water.
Supply List
A resource list will be provided on booking each section. This will include what equipment to gather (such as bowls, measuring cups, paper towels etc.) and the ingredients required. All consumables are common household and kitchen ingredients and are likely to already be owned.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Wales, Aberystwyth
I am a qualified science teacher with more than 20 years experience in the classroom. I am also an avid cook. I currently teach high school science and senior biology and also carry out online tutoring and homeschool classes. Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly or $90 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-9 learners per class
