Discovering science has never been more delicious!
The Lollipop Lab from Thames & Kosmos combines the science of cooking with delicious, sugary creations that kids can really eat. Recommended for kids ages 8 and up, this kit contains almost everything kids need to make two tasty batches of lollipops, including two lollipop flavor mixes (red cherry and blue raspberry), a plastic molding tray, a candy thermometer, a measuring beaker, a ring lollipop base, and 20 lollipop sticks. Lollipop chefs will also need a stove, a saucepan, a heatproof bowl, water, and sugar to cook their creations.
A step-by-step experiment manual gives kids detailed instructions for every step in the process. Because kids will be working on the stove with boiling water and hot syrup, adult supervision and assistance is required at all times.
First, lollipop chefs will need to calibrate their candy thermometer. They can do this by boiling water in a small saucepan and using the thermometer to measure the temperature. Water typically boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius. Based on this information, kids will need to record the temperature of the water when it boils and subtract the difference to find the degree of temperature error, practicing basic math along the way.
Next, kids will need to empty their saucepan and find a heatproof bowl big enough to hold the saucepan. Then comes the fun part! Kids can measure out and mix together water, sugar, and one of the lollipop flavor mixes (I recommend blue raspberry) in the saucepan. With adult supervision or help, lollipop chefs will need to stir the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved, making it look clear.
Once thoroughly mixed, it is time to put the thermometer back on the saucepan. I recommend an adult hook the thermometer on the side of the saucepan, as it is really easy to burn yourself in the process. Then, let the mixture heat at a low boil for 12-20 minutes until it reaches exactly 290 degrees Fahrenheit. While the mixture is boiling, kids can fill the heatproof bowl with cold water. When the mixture reaches the correct temperature, adults should move the saucepan into the cold water for a few seconds, and then set it on a heatproof surface.
With adult help, kids can then use a spoon to pour the mixture into the plastic molding tray to make eight patterned lollipops. Kids can fill one of the other two spaces to make a ring lollipop. After six minutes, it is time to prep the ‘pops. Kids can insert one lollipop stick into each mold and leave it there to harden. They can place the ring lollipop base into the remaining space filled with the mixture. One of the unique spaces leaves room for another half of a lollipop, so kids can combine flavors to make a red cherry and blue raspberry lollipop during the next batch.
If there is extra mixture in the saucepan, adults can place the leftovers on a piece of parchment paper and score it with a knife to form a grid. When the candy cools, kids can snap it into sweet pieces for a bonus treat.
Cleaning up the beaker, saucepan, and other tools can be a real hassle. I recommend cleaning everything while the lollipops are cooling to prevent the candy residue from completely hardening. It will also make the process easier by boiling water in the saucepan to loosen the candy mixture that is stuck to the bottom.
When all the candy has hardened and reached room temperature, it’s time to enjoy it! Kids can store the finished lollipops in airtight containers for up to a week.
Not only is making lollipops a blast, but kids can learn scientific skills in the process. Calibrating the thermometer and tracking the water’s temperature teaches kids about measurements and conversions. The instruction manual also includes information about the science behind the cooking process and provides kids with the instructions needed to calculate the volumes of their lollipops.
The Lollipop Lab is the most delectable way to get kids interested in science, math, and cooking. Not to mention, parents get to try some tasty treats, too!
