Shake Up Some Thanksgiving Science: Make Your Own Butter

This Thanksgiving, bring a little science to the table with a fun, hands-on experiment: homemade butter! All you need is a jar with a lid, some heavy cream and a little energy. Optional extras like a marble for faster shaking or a pinch of salt can add a festive twist.

Supplies:

• jar with lid
• heavy cream
• optional marble
• pinch of salt

Here’s how it works:

Cream is made up of fat and water. When you shake it vigorously, the fat molecules clump together, separating from the liquid—creating butter and leaving behind buttermilk. It’s a delicious example of physics and chemistry in action!

Instructions:

To get started, pour cream into your jar, seal it tightly and shake. At first, it will thicken like whipped cream. Keep going until the butter fully separates. Pour off the buttermilk, and voilà – a fresh, homemade butter ready to spread on your Thanksgiving rolls.

Simple, edible, and a little scientific magic – it’s perfect for curious kids and adults alike. Shake it, make it, and share it this holiday season!