Teaching tots the science of food

Let’s Talk Science is partnering with Loblaw Companies Limited once again to deliver science-based cooking classes for tots and parents throughout the month of February.

Classes will be held at more than 100 Loblaw Community Rooms across Canada and consist of four science-themed food workshops designed to expose three to five year olds to basic science concepts through food preparation.

“The program, based on our Wings of Discovery^® early learning resources, is designed to expose young children to basic science principles and help them understand the different food groups within a grocery store by involving cooking elements to keep them engaged and interested,” says Bonnie Schmidt, Let’s Talk Science President and Founder. “This initiative highlights the importance of introducing science to children beginning at a very young age.”

Parents and tots will work together to explore and taste foods and learn basic scientific concepts through food preparation and mixing ingredients. They will learn fun food facts, how to use cooking equipment and key scientific terms while picking up other skills, such as observing, collecting and organizing information.

“Children learn best when they are engaged and our cooking schools offer this opportunity,” says Tom Filippou, Executive Chef, Loblaw Cooking School. “The cooking classes allow children to create some of their favourite recipes in a fun-filled atmosphere, while gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between food and science.”

Let’s Talk Science volunteers will be on hand at many of the classes to assist parents with the hands-on science activities that accompany each workshop.

For more information about the Wings of Discovery – Little Hands workshops, or to find a location near you, please visit loblaws.ca or superstore.ca.

Curriculum

Can you eat the seeds? Learn what foods contain seeds and what seeds you cannot eat. Each child will plant a seed to take home with them and watch grow over the course of the 4 weeks. Children will prepare a breakfast bar with sesame and sunflower seeds.

Dissolve or not? Learn what happens when things dissolve in liquid, along with what dissolves and what doesn't. Children will prepare individual pizzas by making dough and watching the yeast dissolve in water.

Big Bubbles: How to make things rise with the use of baking powder. Children will bake chocolate chip cookies (with and without baking powder and distinguish the difference).   

Vegetable or Fruit? What is a fruit and explore the difference between fruits and vegetables - Class and a tour of the produce area. Children will create a tomato and cucumber salad.