Students will explore the science of matter and its properties through the engaging and practical context of baking. By collaborating to create a community cookbook, students will connect scientific concepts to real-world applications, enhancing their understanding through hands-on experimentation. This project aims to foster scientific inquiry and communication skills as students investigate baking processes, share their findings, and contribute to a collective resource that benefits their community.

Students will explore the properties of matter through hands-on baking activities, understanding how ingredients transform during the baking process. They will develop collaboration and problem-solving skills by planning and executing investigations and demonstrations. By creating a community cookbook, students will enhance their ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly and effectively, integrating their knowledge of matter with real-world applications.

Students will collaboratively create a community cookbook featuring their own baking recipes, each accompanied by a scientific explanation of the processes and properties of matter involved. Throughout the project, students will produce detailed investigation reports and engage in demonstrations, showcasing their understanding of the science behind baking. The final product will be a published cookbook that can be shared with the local community, highlighting both culinary skills and scientific knowledge.

Kick off the project with a visit to a local bakery where students can observe the baking process firsthand and engage in a Q&A session with the bakers about the science behind their craft. Back in the classroom, facilitate a hands-on activity where students experiment with different ingredients to see how they affect the properties of dough, sparking curiosity and discussion about matter. This experience will set the stage for students to think critically about the scientific principles they will explore and apply in creating their community cookbook.

Students will host a "Baking Science Fair" at the school, inviting family, friends, and community members, including the local bakery partners, to attend. Each group will present their section of the community cookbook, showcasing their chosen recipes alongside interactive demonstrations that explain the scientific processes of baking. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste samples and engage with students as they articulate their understanding of matter and its properties through their culinary creations. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to share their learning journey and celebrate their collaborative achievements.