Marshmallow Science

Completed by 1494 learners

Ages 5-10

Live One-Time Class

In this one time class, we will use marshmallows to explore the scientific method!

Heather Oaster, MM

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(431 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

4-15 learners per class

30 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What’s included

1 live meeting

30 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

During this class we will use marshmallows to explore the Scientific Method!

We will make observations and ask questions such as: What does a marshmallow look like/feel/smell like?

We will explore a scenario: What happens if a marshmallow is heated up in the microwave?
Together, students will make their own guesses as to what will happen, and we will explore the answer together, just like real scientists would!

Then, we will get into a real-time experiment: Can we make a marshmallow sink?
Together, we will explore the answer - please be sure you have marshmallows, water, and cooking oil! 

We will also be performing an experiment that students can finish at home!  
The experiment centers on the question: What happens if a marshmallow is put into different liquids? 

We will be setting up this experiment together, and students are encouraged perform the experiment themselves! We want to know which liquid will dissolve a marshmallow the fastest. During class, we will put our marshmallows into our liquids. We will make initial observations, and then students will be able to observe their marshmallows over the next few days to discover what happens.  If students do not have materials available, they are still very welcome to participate in the class, make observations, and perform the experiment themselves at a later time.  Students will be able to observe the teacher's experiment on screen.  After class, I will also post the results of the final experiment for those who may not be able to complete it independently. Students are also encouraged to post a photo of their experiment following completion!

*Please note, this class has a minimum of four because discussion is a big part of the class.  Please share with your friends! *

Learning Goals

To learn the Scientific Method in a hands on way.

Other Details

Supply List

In class experiement:
- 3 clear containers - one for water, one for oil, and one for both.  Students can fill these during class, or you may pre-fill them
- 6 mini marshmallows, or two regular marshmallows cut into quarters (we need 6 pieces total)

Experiment that we will set up and finish at home:
- 4 marshmallows: (jumbo or mini will both work, though jumbo makes it easier to see what is happening)
- 1 small container or cup of water
- 1 small container or cup of vinegar
- 1 small container or cup of soda
- 1 small container or cup of juice (orange or cranberry are preferable, but students are welcome to try another!)

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Heather Oaster, MM

Joined March, 2020

4.8

431reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I am a former elementary teacher, turned stay-at-home mom.  I taught elementary general music before deciding to stay home with my children!  I am actively involved in the homeschool community and enjoy teaching a variety of classes.  My own children love science and we love experimenting! My experiences working with my own children and those in the community make me an excellent fit for teaching elementary level classes.  Currently, I teach music classes in my community.  I also teach English to students on a virtual platform, and have children who take virtual classes, so I understand the techniques that work effectively to engage students during classes.