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Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » The Gingerbread Man Science Experiments

The Gingerbread Man Science Experiments

Modified: Mar 4, 2025 · Published: Mar 3, 2024 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

In the story of The Gingerbread Man an old woman bakes gingerbread men. One comes to life and races away. Eventually, he meets a fox who tricks him into climbing onto his nose to cross a river. The poor gingerbread man then gets eaten!

I have a few Gingerbread Man science experiments to share today, which sit beautifully alongside the book and could be adapted for Early Years to Key Stage 2 ( 4-11 ). In the first experiment, gingerbread biscuits are placed in different substances to see how they change over time. You can also build a boat or bridge to help the Gingerbread Man cross the river, make gingerbread play dough or make gingerbread biscuits!

If you prefer to work from printable instructions, you might like my Fairy Tale STEM challenge cards or the Cross the River Activity.

Cross the river gingerbread Man experiment instructions

What happens to gingerbread biscuits in different substances?

This investigation is great for encouraging children to start thinking scientifically, as well as drawing on current knowledge to make predictions.

The idea is that gingerbread men biscuits are placed in different substances to see how they change over time.

You’ll need

Small gingerbread men biscuits

Cooking oil

Vinegar

Water

Milk

Timer

Tray

Measuring cylinder

Image of a gingerbread man biscuit, vinegar and oil

Gingerbread Man Experiment Instructions

  • First, ask the children what they think might happen to each gingerbread man.

Questions to ask

How do you think the gingerbread men will change in each substance?

Do you think the gingerbread men will get bigger or smaller?

Do you think the gingerbread men will change colour?

  • Place gingerbread men in separate bowls or trays.
  • Measure the same amount of each substance you want to test and pour over different gingerbread men.
  • Start the timer.
  • Make observations every 10 minutes and record them in a table.
Gingerbread experiment for kids - gingerbread man biscuits in milk, water, oil and vinegar - science for kids

We found that the gingerbread man in oil changed the least, and the gingerbread man in water changed the most. This one lost most of its colour and became very soft.

gingerbread man science - gingerbread man in oil - science for kids
gingerbread man science experiment - gingerbread man in water

Another way to do this activity is to place the biscuits into small plastic cups containing about 50ml of each liquid and record how long it takes for each to collapse into the cup.

Gingerbread man biscuits in different liquids for a science experiment
Gingerbread Man science investigation printable experiment instruction sheet
Gingerbread Man Investigation instructions
Gingerbread Man Investigation Sheet

More Gingerbread Man Science Experiments

Build a Bridge for the Gingerbread Man

Stop the Gingerbread Man taking a ride on the fox by building him a bridge. Paper, craft sticks and straws are all great bridge-building materials.

Bridge for the gingerbread man made from craft sticks for a book themed STEM challenge

Build a boat for the Gingerbread Man

Instead of a bridge, build a boat or raft for the Gingerbread Man. Remember, it needs to float and be able to support the weight of a gingerbread man.

Lolly stick raft floating on water for a gingerbread Man science activity

Bake Gingerbread Men

Try baking gingerbread men using different ingredients. Investigate what happens if you add extra bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, plain or self-raising flour. Try to predict how adding different ingredients will change the look and feel of the gingerbread men.

A House for the Gingerbread Man

Design and build a gingerbread house for The Gingerbread Man. Try testing different sticky substances ( icing sugar, marshmallow fluff or glucose syrup ) to investigate which sticks it together the best.

If you enjoyed these science experiments, you’ll love my collection of Fairy Tale science experiments and Fairy Tale STEM Challenges.

Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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