Come along for walk to Goldilocks’ woodsy cottage. Oh no! Goldilocks is fretting over her Just Right Porridge, worrying that it will turn out just wrong. Our reporter, Arithmetica Subtracto, from the Wand and Globe is on the scene now.
Arithmetica: Good morning, Goldilocks. Can you tell our readers where you got the idea to make Just Right Porridge?
Goldilocks: Oh, I’m partial to porridge. Ever since the time I visited the Three Bears, I’ve loved porridge. It’s delicious when it’s just right.
Arithmetica: What makes your porridge ‘just right’?
Goldilocks: Oh, dearie me. I’m not sure it is. First I added ice-cream but it melted something awful. I tried adding mushroom soup mix too, but it seemed to make the porridge too… earthy. Then I tried a bunch of other ingredients until it was just right.
Arithmetica: I see. So you have some variables in your porridge?
Goldilocks: Oh, yes. The constants are the oatmeal and milk, but I have five suggested variables.
Arithmetica: So, your winning equation is: oatmeal + milk + x = Just Right porridge!
(Helpful Reader Hint: Variables are those numbers in an equation that change, and constants are the numbers that always remain the same.)
Make your own: Just Right Porridge
1 packet instant oatmeal- plain
½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
½ cup milk
1-2 teaspoons sugar
List of suggested variables: (Choose one)
• 1 Oreo cookie, crushed
• Dried fruit such as apples, banana chips,
or apricots (sliced or broken into smaller bits)
• Yogurt-covered raisins (Allow oatmeal to cool before
adding)
• Fresh berries (Place on top)
What to do…
1. Place the oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add the vanilla, milk, and sugar. Stir.
3. Microwave for 1 minute or as directed on the oatmeal package.
4. Add the variable ingredient.
5. Serve immediately.