Kite Math: Learning in the Kitchen

Cooking is a good teaching tool, it helps children
develop math skills as well as how to follow directions. 
 
To fit this weeks theme we have created some kite
brownies.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
•  1/2 cup chips of your choice.
  (suggestions: Mint chips, butterscotch, peanut butter, white chocolate.)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/8 teaspoon salt 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
3. In the top of a double boiler or in a  heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, melt 1/2 c Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips and butter.
4. Stirring occasionally until  smooth.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Stir the brown sugar and vanilla into the chocolate mixture.
7. Add the eggs and mix well.
8. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
9. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture, mixing well until blended.
10. Stir in your choice of chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
12. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes

After the brownies have cooled you can discuss how to cut them into the shape of a kite. Ask questions such as, how many sides does a kite have, how is it different from a square? Are their different shapes of kites? How much chocolate did you use total?

After they have agreed on the best way to cut the brownies into the shape of the kite allow the children to decorate them with colorful frosting or melted chocolate.