Cookin’ Up Chemistry

On this page, you can connect with games, videos and activities to learn more about this topic!

STEM Grades K-3

The Great Ruffet/Scruffet Cook-Off!

The Great Ruffet/Scruffet Cook-Off!

Explore kitchen chemistry as Ruff Ruffman and his brother Scruff compete in a cook-off in this video from The Ruff Ruffman Show.

Now We’re Cookin’!

Now We’re Cookin’!

Rock out with Ruff Ruffman and his brother Scruff as they sing about what they’ve learned about cooking from their cook-off competition in this music video.

Cooking Cookies with Solar Power

Cooking Cookies with Solar Power

The ZOOM cast tests two homemade solar cookers to determine which one can cook a “s’more” faster. Both designs exploit the fact that heat flows in three ways.

STEM Grades 4-6

The Chemistry of Onions

The Chemistry of Onions

David Pogue learns how cutting an onion triggers chemical reactions that change the properties of the onion.

The Chemistry of Tender Turkey

The Chemistry of Tender Turkey

Correspondent and New York Times technology columnist David Pogue explores how the process of brining can ensure a tender and moist cooked turkey.

SciGirls | Science Cooks! 02: Mentor Moment

SciGirls | Science Cooks! 02: Mentor Moment

In this SciGirls segment, a group of girls team up with a female graduate student in Nutritional Science to learn more about food and chemistry.

NOVA: Can I Eat That?

NOVA: Can I Eat That?

In this video excerpt from NOVA scienceNOW, correspondent and New York Times technology columnist David Pogue learns about the perception of flavor.