* Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.

Abstract

What is cooking? Cooking is applying heat to food in order to help make it taste good. But the decision to cook your food doesn't end there. Do you want to cook it at a low temperature for a long time or do you want to apply high heat and cook or sear it right away? You might think that a pot is just something in which to cook your food, but it is also a cooking tool. Pots and pans are made from different kinds of materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, iron, and ceramics. Each of these materials transfers heat differently. In this cooking and food science fair project, you will determine which material transfers heat the fastest. Try different kinds of pots to see which kind boils water the fastest or use a kitchen thermometer to find out which delivers the highest temperature after 10 minutes. You can also test and see how long the hot water stays hot in the pot. After doing this science fair project, you'll be the expert and can help your parents make cooking decisions, like the best pot to cook stew in or the best pan in which to sear meats.

Bibliography

This website gives a great tutorial on heat transfer and the different ways of transferring heat.

Variations


Last edit date: 2008-10-16 12:00:00

I Did this Project!I Did This Project!
Tell us about your experience with this science project.


characters left

characters left

characters left
Poor OK Good Very Good Excellent


Optional:  Attach a picture of your project (JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG only)



Related Links

  • Science Fair Project Guide

Project Summary

Difficulty  2 
Time required Short (several days)
Prerequisites Access to cooking pots made of different materials.
Material Availability Readily available
Cost Low ($20 - $50)
Safety Minor injury possible. Always exercise caution when using a stove. Adult supervision is required. Make sure that the cooking pots you have chosen to test are designed for stovetop use.


Share this Project Idea!


Facebook Twitter MySpace More Services


Donate to Science Buddies


Internet Safety Tips
Get educated about online safety
with help from Symantec.
symantec.com/norton/familyresources

Motorola Solutions Foundation
sponsors Summer Science
Camp Resource
Summer Science Camp Resource

Career Focus

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring related careers.

Food Science Technician
Good taste, texture, quality, and safety are all very important in the food industry. Food science technicians test and catalog the physical and chemical properties of food to help ensure these aspects.
  Food Scientist or Technologist
There is a fraction of the world's population that doesn't have enough to eat or doesn't have access to food that is nutritionally rich. Food scientists or technologists work to find new sources of food that have the right nutrition levels and that are safe for human consumption. In fact, our nation's food supply depends on food scientists and technologists that test and develop foods that meet and exceed government food safety standards. If you are interested in combining biology, chemistry, and the knowledge that you are helping people, then a career as a food scientist or technologist could be a great choice for you!

Materials Scientist and Engineer
What makes it possible to create high-technology objects like computers and sports gear? It's the materials inside those products. Materials scientists and engineers develop materials, like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, that other engineers need for their designs. Materials scientists and engineers think atomically (meaning they understand things at the nanoscale level), but they design microscopically (at the level of a microscope), and their materials are used macroscopically (at the level the eye can see). From heat shields in space, prosthetic limbs, semiconductors, and sunscreens to snowboards, race cars, hard drives, and baking dishes, materials scientists and engineers make the materials that make life better.
 



Join Science Buddies

Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.


Support Science Buddies

If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?

 



 


It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news
about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.


Science Fair Project Home      Our Sponsors      Partners      About Us      Volunteer      Donate      Contact Us      Academic Outreach Partnerships      Site Map

Science Fair Project Ideas      Science Fair Project Guide      Ask an Expert      Blog      Teacher Resources      Parent Resources      Student Resources      Science Careers      Join Science Buddies     


Privacy Policy Science Buddies

Copyright © 2002-2012 Science Buddies. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Fair Use.