Baking Bread

 Friday, we concluded our experiment on "What determines if an organism is living?"  Since we had used yeast and honey in our experiment, we transferred those ingredients into baking bread.  We 'proofed' the yeast first ... and watched the 'sponge' form...

 After that, students took turns stirring in 1/2 cup of flour at a time... after adding the salt, the kneading began... everyone did some kneading...

 We had the smoothest, most well kneaded bread...probably on the planet!

 Once the kneading was over, the dough was covered with a tea towel to rise.

 I make bread all the time, and I was surprised at how incredibly fast it rose!

 I'm sure it had something to do with all the kneading that took place.

 Just in case you're wondering if Room 5ers know how to dress...it was also backwards/inside out day at school!

 After it rose, then we formed it into 3 loaves..baguettes actually...

 and then they rose...

 Debbie, in the kitchen, turned the ovens on to 450...

 the bread went in...

 and the smells began to permeate the hall...

 they cooked while Room 5 was at lunch...

 When the whistle blew..

 we all met at the kitchen and watched...

 as 3 beautiful loaves of french bread...

 came out of the oven...

 Most of us slathered our slices with fresh butter..

and enjoyed the bread while we discussed the rising of the bread...

because of the carbon dioxide...from the yeast...feeding off the honey...

What a great experiment!