Hobbies And Interests
Solubility
Testing the solubility of the snack cake is a great way to get a grasp on the basic concepts of water retention and dissolution. This experiment consists of submerging an unwrapped Twinkie in a glass of tap water. Use a Twinkie inside its original wrapper as a control, to compare the twinkie being tested in the water. Young experimenters will learn that, upon immediately placing the Twinkie in water, it swells to about twice its size, and quickly begins to fall apart. After 24 hours, the Twinkie swells to its maximum size, and after 48 hours the filling within the twinkie floats to the top of the glass.
Gravitational Response Test
To test the gravitational response of a Twinkie, the confection must be dropped from a considerable distance. The T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S Project team demonstrated this experiment by dropping a Twinkie from a sixth floor window. The Twinkie survived with little in the way of serious damage, receiving only a small crack on one side.
Rapid Oxidation Test
Twinkies can demonstrate the basic principles of oxidation when they are set on fire, and their burning process observed. In its original form, Twinkies are not combustible, in part due to their high moisture content. Experiment with different ways of burning the Twinkie, including coating it in alcohol or lighter fluid (with the supervision of an adult, of course). Evaluate the effects of the burning on both the outer cake and inner filling.
Radiation Test
To test a Twinkie's reaction to radiation, place it in the microwave. After only seconds the cream filling should begin to spill out from the under side of the twinkie. It will then bubble and began to turn brown. The middle of the twinkie will collapsed in on itself. After about 30 seconds in the microwave, the Twinkie will produce a large amount of smoke. Use this lesson to demonstrate the effects of microwaves, and radiation more generally.