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 when the liquid passes the start line, and stop it when it passes the finish line.
Repeat for each test liquid.
Repeat three times for each liquid, then calculate the mean.
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 groups.
FREE Syrup Races Worksheet
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 February 13, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
