Layered Hot Cocoa Mix Jar

What you need

• Powdered milk, 1 cup
• Cocoa powder, 1/2 cup
• Sugar, 1/2 cup
• Salt, 1 pinch
• Mixing bowl, 1
• Spoon, 1
• Clean jar with lid, 1
• Paper, 1 sheet, for label and lid circle
• Crayons or markers, 1 marker
• Kid scissors, 1 pair
• String, 1 piece
• Plate or tray, 1 tray
• Milk, 1 mug, for a test cup (or use water) (optional)
• Mug, for a test cup, 1 (optional)

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Gather the dry ingredients, a bowl, a spoon and a clean jar, and set everything on a tray to catch spills.

1. Measure the cocoa, sugar and salt into the bowl.
2. Stir until it all turns one even brown color.
3. Spoon a layer of white powdered milk into the jar.
4. Tap the jar gently on the table to settle the layer.
   Ask: What do you think the tapping does to the powder inside?
5. Add a brown cocoa layer, then keep stacking stripes until it is full.
6. Write a label that tells how to make the cocoa.
7. Cut a paper circle and tie it onto the lid with string.
8. A grown-up heats a mug of milk in a pan over medium heat. A grown-up does this
9. Stir in 3 spoonfuls of mix, then wait until it is just warm to sip.
   Ask: Where do you think the powder will go when it hits the hot milk?
10. Who will you give your jar to? Or make another for a friend!

Play it again

• Stripe challenge: who can fit the most even stripes in one jar?
• Taste test: make two mugs, one with water and one with milk, and vote on your favorite.
• Gift factory: make small jars for a whole family, each with its own color pattern.