I usually do this viscosity experiment using different liquids such as water, oil, ketchup and treacle. This version is a special syrup filled investigation for pancake day!
The idea is that you record how long it takes different delicious pancake syrups to flow down a ramp. Thicker ( more viscous ) liquids will flow more slowly than thinner ( less viscous ) liquids.
Pancake Syrup Viscosity Experiment
You'll need
Chopping board to use as a ramp
Stopwatch
Liquids to test - maple syrup, golden syrup, honey, chocolate sauce, yoghurt etc
Chalk or marker
Pancake Syrup Viscosity - Instructions
Mark a start and finish line on the ramp or use my handy sheet.
Pour the syrupy liquids down the ramp one at a time.
Start the timer as the liquid passes over the start line and stop when it passes the finish line.
Repeat for each test liquid.
Repeat three times for each liquid and calculate the mean value.
Make the investigation a fair test
Keep the ramp at the same gradient.
Use the same amount of each liquid.
Only time between the start and finish line.
Make it large scale!
I made this giant ramp with cardboard and sticky-back plastic ( contact paper ) for a school science fair a few years ago. It worked really well, as we could wipe it clean between different groups using it.
More Pancake Day Activities
Find out why we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
Experiment with different raising agents to find your perfect pancake mixture.
Or, try one of my other easy edible experiments.
Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
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