Milk Curdling with Enzymes!

Introduction

Have you ever gone to pour yourself a cup of milk, and all you get is clumps? What happened to the milk is called coagulation, which is the mechanism that occurs when proteins in the milk clump together. While you do not necessarily want this in your milk, without coagulation (or curdling), there would be no cheese or yogurt, which is why it is a very important process in the food industry. Wonder how you can make milk curdle? Do this activity to find out!

Credits

Materials

• Pineapple (fresh)
• Teaspoon
• Tablespoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Cheesecloth or a piece of cotton fabric (2)
• Microwavable containers or cups (2)
• Fresh cow's milk, any percent but not evaporated (room temperature)
• Paper towels
• Microwave
• Permanent marker
• Mini cups, about 2 oz. (5)
• Adult helper
• Optional: timer