STEM Activity: Make Biscuits for International Cat Day

International Cat Day, celebrated on Aug. 8, is made for friends of felines around the world! This special day commemorates cats of all kinds, acknowledging their independent, inquisitive and adventurous nature.

Do you know what the popular saying “making biscuits” means when talking about cats? It refers to a cat’s kneading motion when they want to bond, create a comfortable place or even show affection. Cats have glands between their toes that release a scent onto the surface they are kneading, which is one way they mark their territory.

People love to say their cats are “making biscuits” because this motion resembles how a baker kneads biscuit dough! Check out the hands-on activity below to create a delicious treat and practice some kneading of your own.

Materials Needed:

• Ingredients for a biscuit recipe of your choosing (see below)
• Markers
• Scrap paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Ask an adult to help you conduct an internet search for a biscuit recipe.
    
2. Once you’ve selected a recipe you’d like to make, gather your needed ingredients.
    
3. After you’ve baked your biscuits and they have cooled off, try a few different combinations of toppings, like jams, jellies or butters.
   
   Get creative and think outside the box! Try adding other unique food items that might taste good, like cheeses, chocolates or fruits.
    
4. After taste testing, pick your favorite combination of flavors and create a name for your food invention. You might try making a cat pun or incorporating a favorite cat’s name!
    
5. With an adult’s help, calculate the total cost of ingredients used to create one biscuit, and then think about how much you would charge for the labor, or work, that went into making your ultimate biscuit.
    
6. Using scrap paper and markers, design a flyer to sell your biscuits. Make sure to include the name, cost and a few key selling points, like what makes these biscuits unique.
    
7. Invite friends and family to try your tasty new creation!

What Are We Discovering?

Spending time cooking, baking and making delicious dishes in the kitchen is not only a fun, creative outlet, it’s a great way to experiment with STEM. Sometimes making food, just like inventing, can get messy. Thanks to National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductee Josephine Cochran and her invention of the first dishwasher, kitchen cleanup is made far more efficient!

Keep the Fun and Learning Going!

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