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Happy STEAM-O-WEEN! Plan a STEAM-powered unique Halloween Party

PLUS STEAM@HOME: Culinary Science – Spooktacular Strawberries

By IDEA Lab Kids ~ Marvin September 28, 2020


During this time of uncertainty about school and work and health, let’s remember to celebrate the special days that bring joy and happiness to our kids. We have so many opportunities this Fall to celebrate safely with our family and friends. Birthdays and Halloween are top of mind. 


Halloween this year may look different for many of us, and that’s ok. Different can mean memorable! Try something new for Halloween and host your very own STEAM-O-WEEN Spooktacular event at your home! We have 3 STEAM activities for the kids plus we bring snacks during this 2-hour party. The hosting parent can have one child participate for free. Call us to schedule, and we will create a memorable Halloween experience for the kids. To learn more about STEAM-O-WEEN


Birthdays should never be minimalized, even in a pandemic! The day my son was born was the best day of my life, and I know this is true of every parent out there. So, let’s make your child’s birthday special by having a STEAM-powered birthday party at your home. Invite friends and family to enjoy the day with you and your child. There are so many theme options to meet any child’s fantasies. So, dream big and celebrate bigger with IDEA Lab Kids Marvin. 

In addition to our great parties, we have an amazing line up for Fall!  









Spooktacular Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Monsters that YOU Eat!

Key Concepts: 

  • Tempering

Essential Questions: 

  • Why does chocolate melt?

Essential Vocabulary: 

  • Tempering is when chocolate is heated and cooled. 
  • Polymorph is something that can take on different shapes when it solidifies from liquid form.

Materials Needed:

  • 24 large fresh strawberries
  • 2 cups of chocolate chips – white, dark, milk
  • Oil-based food coloring, if you want to color your white chocolate
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper 

Explain & Elaborate:

We love chocolate. The way it melts, the luxurious, silky texture—the way it leaves us wanting more. At the microscopic level, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the chocolate we consume. Chocolate is considered a polymorph. It has six (types I-VI) different ways it may crystalize after it has been melted and cooled, varying by temperature. As chocolate is heated and cooled, a process called tempering, the crystal structure of chocolate is manipulated. The sweet spot for the perfect chocolate is 93 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the crystal structure actually melts away, and the chocolate, once solidified, is firm, snaps easily and melts at body temperature. Jackpot!

STEPS:



1. Wash and dry strawberries very well - otherwise you'll have trouble dipping the strawberries in the chocolate

2. Melt chocolate in the microwave at half-power, stirring the chocolate every 30 seconds until smooth. You can also use a double-boiler


3. Add oil-based food coloring to achieve your desired color



4. Holding strawberry by the stem, dip and twirl to cover most of the berry

5. Decorate / pipe the strawberries as spooking Halloween creatures

Allow them to fully cool before serving 


To learn more about IDEA Lab Kids Marvin, click HERE and be sure to check them out on Facebook and Instagram .