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4-H Youth Development

Future scientists, are you curious about why your cookies and cakes rise in the oven? What about why cuts of meat have particular shapes? This program will cover a little bit of meat and food science for curious minds.

Chemistry is a Piece of Cake

Chemistry is a lot sweeter than you might think!

Supplies List: (If you don't have something, substitute it out with something else, be creative)

  • Chemistry is a Piece of Cake Handout
  • Cooking spray
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Cake pan or muffin pan

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Find out the scientific reasoning behind how pickles get their taste!

Supplies List: (If you don't have something, substitute it out with something else, be creative)

  • Pickled Cherry Tomatoes
  • Glass jar (maybe 2)
  • 1 pint Sungold Tomatoes
  • 2, 1-inch sprigs rosemary
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Food Product Design Challenge

Design your own food product and nutrition label!

Supplies List: (If you don't have something, substitute it out with something else, be creative)

  • Food Product Design Challenge Handout
  • Paper
  • Pencils, colored pencils, or whatever you choose
  • Food that you have on hand (The video gives a few ideas of what to do)
  • *Search online if you need ideas to get started