Sunday, April 17, 2011

Peeps Experiment #1 - Peep S'mores

In keeping with our bird theme, we decided to run a series of experiments on the strange bird-like marshmallows, that have been peering at as from the grocery shelves the past few weeks.


Our first experiment, popping a Peep into the microwave, also doubled as a fun snack, thanks to instructions from About.com. Start with a half a graham cracker, on a microwave safe plate.


Top with a quarter of a Hershey bar (three squares - which also makes it easy to see 3/12 = 1/4).



Add a Peep.


Then, pop the whole plate into the microwave for 20 seconds, and watch the Peep expand to gargantuan proportions (and probably fall off of the cracker), as the microwave causes the water molecules in the marshmallow (do Peeps qualify as marshmallows?), start to move, and heat up, which heats up, and softens the sugar, and gelatin, and heats up the air bubbles, making them expand, and push against the softened sugar walls, until they finally burst through, letting the air escape, deflating the entire thing.


At which point, the science experiment is over, and the snack begins. Remove the melty mess from the microwave. Scoop the marshmallow back onto the chocolate, top with the other half of the graham cracker, and enjoy!



It's great to be a homeschooler.
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13 comments:

  1. Christy KilloranApril 17, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    That sounds like fun!!!!!!!!!

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  2. SusanApril 17, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    I really don't like Peeps much, but I might actually enjoy them in s'mores! Great science experiment :)

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  3. SparkleeApril 17, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Looks like fun! I used to love Peeps when I was a kid...they seem kinda yucky now! But watching them expand in the microwave sounds fun!

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  4. An Almost Unschooling MomApril 17, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Susan - Yes, I don't think I would have thought to actually eat a Peep otherwise!

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  5. SusanApril 17, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    They are rather nasty! (in my opinion, that is)

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  6. Christianne @ Little Page TurnersApril 18, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Love watching peeps in the microwave! (Not as excited about eating them.) Fun science experiment!

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  7. dreaming in maineApril 18, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Unfortunately I have to concur: peeps have never been my favorite. I'm glad the kids had fun, though! If we get peeps given to us by family who don't understand the request to NOT give them to us, this might be a good way to use them.

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  8. An Almost Unschooling MomApril 18, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Witchy Mom - Melted in the microwave, they smelled a lot more marshmallowy - I was almost tempted to try one too.

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  9. TiciaApril 18, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I'm in the minority and I love peeps. Yes, I'm weird.

    We did a similar experiment last year and it was a lot of fun. I discovered that using peeps in place of marshmallows in rice krispie treats makes for a ridiculously sweet treat.

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  10. DebbieApril 18, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    S'mores yummy! I don't know about the peeps but it does look like the children enjoyed them.

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  11. Natalie PlanetSmartyApril 18, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    This looks like a very popular Easter experiment, I remember seeing some last year too, but I am still not motivated to buy my own - I don't have six kids to gobble them up :)

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  12. StephanieApril 18, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    So cute! And so many colors from which you can choose. Love it!

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  13. JulieApril 19, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    We do this with regular marshmallows but never thought to do it with Peeps. Hmmmm. We have a package sitting right there on the counter. I think I know what our afternoon snack is going to be! I don't like peeps either, but I bet they would taste good with graham cracker and chocolate!

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