It’s a bright, sunny day outside, but when the temperature cools off later on, we can all use a steaming cup of hot chocolate! Did you know that along with being delicious, hot chocolate can also teach your little one a lesson in science? Hot chocolate comes in a powder that has to be dissolved in water or milk before it becomes the tasty beverage we all love. This is the perfect opportunity for an experiment… At what temperature does the hot chocolate powder dissolve the fastest? Here’s what you’ll need for this very simple science project:
- Several hot chocolate packets
- Mugs
- A stop watch (you smart phone should have a stop watch feature)
- A spoon
- A thermometer
- Pen or pencil and paper for recording the results
Fill your first mug with ice cold water and pour the hot chocolate powder in. Start the stop watch and stir. What happens? How long does it take for the powder to dissolve? Does it dissolve at all? Have your child write down the results. Now, try the same experiment at several different water temperatures (make sure to use precautions and supervise your child as the water gets hotter) and have your budding scientist record what happens.
The best part of this activity is that at the end, you can add marshmallows or whipped cream and enjoy!!
See the full experiment and the science behind it by visiting Creative Family Fun HERE.
As always, get as creative as you want, and above all, have lots of fun learning together!
We’ll see you right back here next Saturday for another STEAM Saturday activity! Scroll through the rest of our website to learn how Critchlow Adkins is Building Brighter Futures for the children and families we serve!
