Bread Lab!

K-Gr 3—Bread lovers are in for a treat! Iris and her plant scientist aunt are going to spend the day making bread. Iris is eager to learn and journals every step of the activity. Aunt Mary makes learning fun and engaging as she shares her knowledge of the science behind bread making. She introduces Iris to Flora and explains that she is full of microbes that start the process. She also explains that their homemade bread would only need four ingredients, far less than the store-bought bread that Iris has always eaten. As Iris watches and learns, she notes that the microbes are like magic and Aunt Mary explains that it is "more like science." As their dough rests, Iris and Aunt Mary have a picnic in the park where Aunt Mary explains how her job as a plant scientist helps farmers grow food. At last they return home to bake their bread and share it with Iris's mom and dad. The Bread Bakers Guild of America partnered with the Bread Lab at Washington State University with the mission to educate kids about the benefits of making good food choices. The digitally rendered illustrations visually demonstrate what the characters are doing, thinking, and feeling. Bread facts follow the story along with a recipe for whole wheat sourdough bread.