Wow-To: Chocolate Science

A reversible change is something that CAN be undone. Such as melting and freezing water. Chocolate is an absolutely perfect substance to use to demonstrate this chemistry concept. Bring on the chocolate science!

Materials:

• 12 oz bag of chocolate chips (any type)
• Heatproof bowl
• Ability to heat chocolate chips (make a double boiler or use the microwave)
• Silicone candy molds, a small baking dish or a glass food storage container
• Parchment paper (if using a dish or container as your mold)

Wow-To:

Step 1: Make sure an adult is supervising you.

Step 2: Set up a simple double boiler on the stove by putting water in the bottom of a pan and then placing an appropriate bowl (glass or metal) on top. The bowl should not sit on the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Place the chocolate chips in the bowl and slowly heat the water.

Step 3: Stir and stir and watch as the chips melt!

Step 4: Once the chocolate is melted you can pour it into your mold. If you don’t have candy molds use a small baking dish or glass food storage container lined with parchment paper (and chop the chocolate into chunks later once hardened).

Step 5: Put your melted chocolate into the fridge to harden.

Step 6: Once fully hardened, take it out of the fridge. Marvel at how the chocolate has undergone a phase change, but one that could indeed be reversed again! You have not created a new substance that is irreversible like baking a cake. You can’t turn a cake back into the raw ingredients, so baking a cake is an irreversible change. But melting and solidifying chocolate is a reversible change!

Step 7: Once you’ve marveled at the science, go ahead and enjoy the chocolates!