Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold? | Science project | Education.com (2024)

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Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold?

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Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold? | Science project | Education.com (1)

Grade Level: 3rd - 6th; Type: Food Science/ Chemistry

Objective:

In this experiment, we will find out if making Jell-O is possible with just warm water instead of adding boiling hot water.

Grade

Third GradeFourth GradeFifth Grade

Research Questions:

  • What is gelatin, how is it made, and what is it used for?
  • What are the properties of a gel? What does it do?
  • Is a gel considered to be a solid, a liquid, both, or neither?

Gelatin is a protein substance that is created by boiling connective tissues, bones, skins of animals or stem roots from plants with a similar structure. It is used in many applications such as to create the much-loved Jello, taffy, marshmallows, wines, capsules for medicine, and much more.

Gelatin has beneficial properties such as transparency, strength, flexibility, easy to digest, soluble in hot water, and great binding properties. The directions say to add boiling add--but is that really necessary? Let's find out if merely warm water will do the job.

Materials:

  • 2 boxes of Jell-O or gelatin mix (any flavor)
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • A stirring spatula or whisk
  • Boiling hot water
  • Cold water
  • Warm water
  • Measuring cup
  • Saran/plastic wrap
  • A refrigerator
  • Timer/Clock
  • An adult to help you

Experimental Procedure:

  1. In one mixing bowl, pour the packet of gelatin mix in.
  2. Carefully add 1 cup of boiling hot water inside. Stir until the powder is dissolved.
  3. Now slowly stir in 1 cup of cold water.
  4. Cover the bowl with saran wrap.
  5. In the other mixing bowl, pour the packet of gelatin mix in.
  6. Carefully pour 2 cups of warm water inside and stir until the powder is dissolved. You may have to stir longer.
  7. Cover the bowl with saran wrap.
  8. Refrigerate both bowls until the gelatin is set in at least one of the bowls- about 4 hours.
  9. After 4 hours...check on the gelatin and see which one has set and which one is firmer and has the “correct consistency.”

Terms/Concepts: Viscosity; Gelatin/ Gel; Protein; Collagen; Hydrolysis; Freezing/Melting Point; States of Matter

References:

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Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold?  | Science project | Education.com (2024)

FAQs

Can you make jello with hot water instead of boiling? ›

Whisk together 1 cup of hot water with 1 packet of jello in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and whisk it in. Pour the mixture into a jello mold and add some fruit, if desired. Let the jello set in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, then serve.

Does gelatin work in warm water? ›

Both sheet and powdered gelatin should be dissolved in cold water. If hot water is used, granules of gelatin will swell on the outside too quickly, preventing the water from getting into the center. Also, do not boil things made with gelatin.

How do you make jelly with hot water or cold water? ›

Hot water melts the fats and collagen in the gelatin. If using vegetable or fruit based gelatin, again, hot water melts the crystals, stirring dissolves the gelatin flakes, threads, crystals, then adding ice or cold water and refrigeration solidifies the gelatin.

Will Jello set if not boiled? ›

When making gelatin you must boil the powder in water and then add the correct amount of cold water before sending it to the fridge to set. If you skipped or altered either of these steps then that is why your Jello will not set.

Does gelatin need to boil to set? ›

When preparing gelatin, never let it reach its boiling point. If you bring gelatin to a full boil, it may lose it's thickening properties and never set. Once gelatin has set it can be melted again and used multiple times. Gelatin has a fairly low melting point and will become liquid if left in a warm environment.

What temperature destroys gelatin? ›

Gelatin's strength rapidly declines above 212°F, or when it's held at that temperature for an extended period of time. Curiously, damage caused by heat impacts rigidity, not viscosity, which explains how gelatin can still add body to slow-simmered dishes like Bolognese.

Do I have to use cold water for jello? ›

Boiling water – Use an electric tea kettle to boil water on the fly; or a small saucepan will do. You'll need 1 cup boiling water. Cold water – You'll need just 1 cup of water. But make sure it's cold water and not just room temperature.

What happens if you put gelatin in cold water? ›

Gelatin is insoluble in cold water. It simply hydrates and swells in it.

Is there a difference between gelatin and gelatine? ›

Gelatin vs Gelatine

The only difference between “gelatin” and “gelatine” is the spelling, as the two versions mean the same thing. Other names for gelatin include: hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed gelatine, and gelatine or collagen hydrolysate.

Can jelly set with cold water? ›

When setting jellies, break the cubes up and place in a microwave jug, place 1 tablespoon of water on it and place in the microwave on full power for 1 minute or until melted. Then top up with cold water, and you will find that your jelly will set in half the time.

Do you need to boil jelly? ›

Because of possible mold contamination, paraffin or wax seals are no longer recommended for any sweet spread, including jellies. All jellied products should be processed in a boiling water bath to prevent mold growth.

What happens when you mix jelly powder with hot water? ›

Answer: when you mix jelly with hot water the protein will dissolve again and it will change to a liquid again so it is also a reversible change .

How to make jello without boiling? ›

Sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of cold water and stir. Pour the cold water into measuring cup, then sprinkle the gelatin over it. Stir it briskly until the gelatin thickens. If you are vegan/vegetarian and would like a more firm jello, use 2 teaspoons of Agar powder.

Can you microwave water for jello? ›

Combine Jello and water. Microwave 4 minutes on full.

Do you have to use boiling water for Jello shots? ›

How To Make Jello Shots. The instructions are so simple! All you have to do is pour the Jell-O into a large bowl, then pour boiling the water over top. Whisk to mix, then add the cold water and alcohol, and whisk again.

How do you add gelatin to hot liquid? ›

Soak leaf gelatine in cold water for a few mins to soften. Squeeze excess water from the sheets before adding to a hot base liquid (such as flavoured cream or fruit juice). Stir well.

What happens if jello gets hot? ›

On heating, the temperature increases so the gelatin gets converted into a liquid by breaking the bonds that exist between amino acids.

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