Holiday-themed science is so much fun. Our simple dissolving gingerbread man science activity is perfect for kids at home or school with just a few supplies!
Gingerbread Science Activities
Simple science activities are great for encouraging thinking, problem solving, observing, and exploring. Science encourages a wonderful sense of curiosity. Adding a fun theme for a holiday or season makes it extra special!
Dissolving Gingerbread Man Science Activity
This simple science activity encourages a variety of skills! Not only did we explore a simple science concept with the dissolving cookie, we also made predictions, recorded data, and communicated results!
We used technology to time our activity and help us with our observations. This dissolving gingerbread science activity is great for making predictions and recording results.
Gingerbread Man Science Activity Supplies
Supplies Needed:
- Crunchy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Free Printable Data Collection Sheet
- Clear Plastic Cups
- Water
- Pitcher for Pouring
- Tongs
- Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter {or other stencil}
- Stopwatch or Timer
Set up your dissolving gingerbread man science activity in minutes! I used dollar store supplies for the cups, cookies, tongs, and cookie cutters. To begin, each child needs a cup, two cookies, water to pour into the cup, paper, one printable data collection sheet per child, and crayons or pencils for recording observations.
Dissolve!
Step 1: Sample!
If possible, give each child a cookie to taste test its crunchiness, of course! Ask your kids to describe the cookie’s shape, color, texture, and smell and invite them to record their responses on the data collection sheet.
Ask the kids what they think will happen when they put the cookie in water and record their prediction on the printable data collection sheet. You can also use blank paper and invite your kids to trace a gingerbread man cookie cutter if you prefer.
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!
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Step 2: Invite kids to pour water into a cup.
Pouring is a great practical life and fine motor activity for young kids!
Note: Use room temperature water if children will be pouring the water.
Step 3: Add the cookies.
Do they sink or float? Discuss the children’s observations and ask them why they think this is happening.
Step 4: Set the timer.
We checked on our cookies every 30 seconds and used our tongs to lift them out of the water (more fine motor practice!). The first time we checked with room temperature water, our gingerbread man was still crunchy. Every 30 seconds, it changed!
Talk about what’s happening with your kids. Ask questions. What else do you notice? Our cookie in room temperature water began to float and the water turned red from the sugar dissolving.
Step 5: Once the cookies begin to dissolve, revisit the children’s predictions.
Were they correct? How did their thinking change after the experiment? Invite kids to record the results of the experiment on their data collection sheets.
More Gingerbread Science Activities With These Supplies
It takes just a few minutes for the gingerbread man to dissolve, but it’s a very memorable experiment your kids will love!
Why not talk about other items you can dissolve? Mini candy canes and peppermints are also fun to watch dissolve in water.
For additional fun, experiment by putting the gingerbread cookies in different water temperatures. Use cold water, hot water, and room temperature water and observe the dissolving process for each one.
BIO: Sarah is the creator of Little Bins for Little Hands where she shares simple science experiments, STEM activities, and tactile sensory play recipes. She is also the proud mom of a busy little boy. Check out their favorite science experiments all year long! You can connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest.
More Gingerbread ideas
What a fun STEM idea! I think my sister would have a fit to find out we were “wasting” gingerbread cookies, though! lol! Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot!
Great activity! I have a couple of kids who would love this science activity and one who would be upset that we were wasting a cookie he could have eaten. Thanks for sharing at Made for Kids!