Experiments at Coastal STEM Academy

At Coastal STEM Academy, our homeschool, my son and I love to incorporate hands-on activities that not only make learning fun but also provide practical life lessons. We use My Father’s World curriculum, so whether it’s our first time experimenting with a new concept, exploring the United States, Countries & Cultures, or revisiting lessons about native cultures or ancient times, we always strive to make the right choices in our educational journey to optimize the experience. Our approach blends elements of Charlotte Mason, classical education, unit studies, and a bit of eclecticism. We find that adding real-life applications, like our Great Cookie Dough Experiment, brings excitement and engagement, transforming our family members into eager test subjects.

The Great Cookie Dough Experiment

This experiment focused on baking the perfect chocolate chip cookies while examining how altering variables like flour, sugar, and eggs affected the final product. The experiment was a scientific adventure that integrated math, chemistry, scientific observation, and surprisingly produced a lesson about how each part of the body of Christ has a specific purpose that works together in unity within the larger body.

We started by preparing a batch of traditional chocolate chip cookie dough, which was divided into portions with different alterations: one with excess baking soda, another with additional flour, and a third with extra sugar, reminiscent of pancake mixes. Some had 1 teaspoon in excess of baking soda, some had an abundance of 1/4 cup extra flour, others had an extra dose of an additional 1/4 cup of sugar, and a few even contained 1 additional egg thrown into the mix. Each variation was a reminder that sometimes, even in small spaces or in our personal walk, the smallest change can lead to unexpected results.

Once all the different cookie dough variations were ready, we placed them in the oven, ensuring they all baked for exactly 10 minutes at a temperature of 375 degrees. With anticipation, we monitored the progress, eagerly awaiting the outcomes of our experiment.

Results

After baking for 10 minutes at 375°F, we inspected each batch of cookies, and the results were clear. In comparison to the cookies cooked according to the traditional recipe specifications, all of the altered cookies turned out undesirable. The cookies with too much baking soda were salty and flat—a good thing to avoid next time. The cookies with extra flour were dry and crumbly, like an overly dense angel food cake. Extra sugar made them too sweet, but to my son, they were just right. The addition of an extra egg turned the dough into a spongy pancake.

We figured out the key to creating a delicious treat but also drew a parallel to the body of Christ, much like how both the Old Testament and New Testament address unity and diversity. 

Variation

To add an additional layer of variation to our experiment, we decided to divide the remaining “good” cookie dough and bake them on two separate pans – one on a stoneware pan and the other on a metal pan lined with parchment paper. Interestingly, when we baked some dough on stoneware and others on a metal pan, the results varied—highlighting that even the best ways to bake can differ depending on the foundation. Surprisingly, even the choice of the baking surface played a significant role in the final outcome. Although they look the same, the cookies baked on the stoneware turned out perfectly soft, while the cookies that baked on the metal pan were much crispier. On a deeper level, it showed me that our foundation and environment have an impact on our outcome.

This experiment wasn’t just about cookies; it was the good news that our foundation in life, much like our faith in Jesus Christ, significantly impacts the outcome.

Parallels to the Body of Christ

Although we set out to discover the secret to baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie, we learned something deeper: a profound lesson on how the humble cookie mirrors the body of Christ.

We followed the traditional cookie recipe meticulously, measuring out each ingredient accordingly. The flour, sugar, butter, and eggs all carried their weight, but it wasn’t until we mixed them together that their true potential could be realized. Each ingredient brought its unique flavor and texture, creating the perfect blend of chocolate chip goodness.

Just as the body of Christ is diverse and made up of many individuals, the ingredients in our cookie recipe were also distinct. Much like how the body needs every member to function and thrive, our cookies required each ingredient for a successful batch. God has orchestrated the members of the body, each one of them, as He chose. The Great Cookie Experiment exemplifies the importance of unity, balance, and the understanding that every part contributes to the whole. Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

By the way, the best chocolate chip cookie recipe is right on the back of the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chips bag! For the original recipe, visit Nestle’s website here.