I began my sourdough journey on November 14th, 2025, and have been obsessed with it ever since. I have recently been questioning the chemical process of fermentation within the bread, and the baking process in general; therefore, this project is an amazing vehicle for this inquiry. I will be documenting my research, hypotheses, and experiments in the process of learning the science of baking. I plan to take this knowledge and create new recipes of my own, whether it be sourdough artisan bread, focaccia, muffins, cookies, etc.
General Learning Via Baking
Baking and cooking with children offer simple, hands-on ways for families to support learning at home. Through these activities, children explore early math concepts, such as counting, measuring, and fractions; build vocabulary and oral language by following recipes and describing actions; and develop scientific thinking by observing changes, including melting, dissolving, and rising. Baking also strengthens fine motor skills through activities such as pouring, stirring, and cutting. Beyond academics, baking together supports socioemotional development by building confidence, independence, and family connection while creating positive shared experiences.
Moreover, this inquiry resonates with the focus on curricular competencies, which are foundational in the B.C Curriculum. I will not be simply following a formula; I will be asking important questions, experimenting, learning through trial and error, and drawing my own conclusions. This process will be integrated well into a classroom, as these skills are essential for every learner to possess.
My Inquiry Process
I will be breaking up my project into designated weeks as I document the process.
Week 1: Introduction to my Project
Week 2: The Science of the Starter
Week 3: Flour, Water, and Hydration
Week 4: Time, Temperature, and Fermentation
Week 5: Oven Science
Week 6: My Baking Experiments
Week 7: What I Learned
Week 8: Applying Fermentation Science to Life Skills
Links:
https://education.tamu.edu/learning-through-baking
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://kidsgardening.org/resources/digging-deeper-fermentation/&ved=2ahUKEwi1i5S45p-SAxVKLTQIHb92JRUQFnoECBgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1IKSqDsEJrQAR7I50XFdBA
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://goodineverygrain.ca/2022/10/04/cross-curricular-baking-provides-authenticity-in-learning/&ved=2ahUKEwjIjv7O5p-SAxXYHjQIHbvnCTYQFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1gb-6W1a7UEV1weKXLjFv1
Comments
One response to “An Inquiry into Sourdough Fermentation”
Kajsa, thank you for a clear and comprehensive overview of your inquiry project. I appreciated your published plan and timing.
I appreciated your explanation that you were not following a formula, and that you “will be asking important questions, experimenting, learning through trial and error, and drawing my own conclusions”. Also that you plan to integrate this process, and the skills learned, into your classroom practice.