How to Make Fluffy Science Pancakes

Learn the science behind perfect pancakes while making a delicious breakfast treat.

1. Mix your dry ingredients. In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is your 'dry team' - they're waiting to meet the 'wet team' and start the science reaction!
2. Combine your wet ingredients. In the other bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Make sure the butter isn't too hot or it will cook the egg. The wet ingredients are ready to activate the baking powder!
3. Create the magic mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir just until combined - you should still see some lumps! Overmixing makes tough pancakes because you develop too much gluten. The baking powder is already making tiny bubbles.
4. Heat your pan. Ask a grown-up to heat the pan on medium heat. Test if it's ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on it - they should sizzle and dance around. This means the pan is the perfect temperature for cooking.
5. Cook your science pancakes. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Watch for bubbles to form on the surface and the edges to look set - this takes about 2-3 minutes. The bubbles are carbon dioxide gas from the baking powder reaction!
6. Flip and finish. When you see bubbles popping on the surface and staying open, it's time to flip! Ask your grown-up helper to flip the pancake. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. The second side cooks faster because the pan is hotter now.