Year 9 Get a Taste of Science in Chemical Cookery Session

Last week, all Year 9 students swapped their usual science classrooms for the Food Technology room as they took part in a unique Chemical Cookery workshop. The session was delivered by Mr Dean, an ex-chef with experience working alongside several well‑known celebrity chefs, including Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsey, who brought a flavour‑packed twist to understanding scientific principles.

Rather than learning from textbooks, students explored the chemistry of cooking by making – and tasting – their own creations. The focus of the session was the science and chemical reactions behind a classic favourite: jelly and ice cream.

Strawberry Spaghetti Jelly: The Power of Agar Agar

The first experiment involved turning a simple strawberry mixture into spaghetti‑shaped jelly strands. Instead of using traditional gelatine, students used Agar Agar, a plant‑based gelling agent extracted from seaweed. Mr Dean explained how Agar Agar sets at a higher temperature and forms a firmer texture, showing students the different ways chemicals behave in food preparation. Using syringes and cooling tubes, students transformed the liquid jelly mixture into long, noodle‑like strands; an eye‑opening demonstration of how chemistry can be both edible and fun.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Freezing Fast with Salt and Ice

Next, students learned how salt can be used to lower the freezing point of ice, speeding up the freezing process. By combining ice, salt and a sealed bag of vanilla mixture, they shook their way to homemade vanilla ice cream. As the mixture chilled rapidly, students discovered how endothermic reactions work and why adding salt makes ice melt faster while becoming cold enough to freeze their dessert at the same time.

A Delicious Blend of Learning

The session brought science to life in a memorable and hands‑on way. Students not only gained a deeper understanding of chemical reactions but also enjoyed eating the results of their hard work. Chemical Cookery proved to be a perfect blend of education and creativity, highlighting the surprising ways science shapes the foods we enjoy every day. Year 9 were also excellent in the sessions and demonstrated some excellent Science knowledge and behaviour! 

Mr Dean

Teacher of Science