Learn about chemical changes and create a tasty, edible treat using this simple kitchen science experiment.

What you need:

• 5 Tbsp Sugar

• 2 Tbsp Golden Syrup

• 1 tsp Baking Soda

• Butter (optional)

• Small saucepan/pot

• Baking Paper

• Spatula

What to do…

1. Grease the sides and base of an oven-safe dish with butter OR line a heat proof tray with baking paper.

2. Add sugar and golden syrup to a small pot/saucepan.

3. Stir the sugar continuously over low heat until the sugar granules have dissolved.
   For best results, use a small heavy-based saucepan.

4. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase to medium heat and allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes.
   Try not to stir the mixture while it is boiling as this will cause sugar crystals to reform. Instead, gently swirl the pot to prevent the mixture from burning.

5. Remove the pot from the heat.

6. Immediately add the baking soda to the mixture and stir quickly with a fork or spoon to make sure it is thoroughly mixed.

7. As soon as the baking soda is mixed through, pour the mixture out onto the baking paper or greased dish.
   Use a spatula to remove as much mixture as possible from the pot.

8. Leave the mixture to cool and set for approximately 30 minutes.

9. Once cooled, break the Hokey Pokey into bite-sized pieces, or crush it for use in baking recipes.

10. Clean your pot with boiling water - this will help to dissolve any Hokey Pokey still stuck to the pot.

Other experiments…

Try the experiment a few times, and see what happens to the size, colour, smell and consistency of the hokey pokey when you make these suggested changes:

1. Try cooling the end product faster.
   What happens if you put your mixture in the freezer to cool?

2. What happens if you double the baking soda? Does it foam up more? Does the end product still taste good?

The science behind your Hokey Pokey…

Making Hokey Pokey is an example of a chemical change.

A chemical change is a chemical reaction that occurs where a new substance is formed and is not reversible - it cannot be changed back to its original ingredients.

Bicarbonate of soda is alkaline and sugar is mildly acidic. When the two ingredients combine it causes this chemical reaction. This same bubbling reaction happens when you add baking soda to vinegar.

However, when the bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is added to the mixture in this experiment, it forms carbon dioxide bubbles and this causes the mixture to foam up. The sugary syrup then sets around the bubbles creating the foam-like consistency that is Hokey Pokey.

Did you give it a go?

Send us a photo of your Hokey Pokey experiment and what you learnt and you might find your creation featured on the Upstart website OR in a future issue of Upstart magazine… AND win a prize!