Students explore basic concepts related to food and nutrition. They set up their own classroom laboratory and perform physical and chemical tests to identify the presence of starch, glucose, fats, and proteins in common foods. Some of the tests are relatively simple and produce "yes-or-no" results; others require multiple steps. Still other tests, such as the glucose test, produce results that require interpretation. Through readings, students discover how proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins, are related to good health. They also learn how to interpret food labels. In a final challenge, students apply their knowledge and skills to analyze the nutritional components of a marshmallow.

Trainer Tips:

The peanuts work much better and give a better protein test result, if you grind them up before distributing them
To help the students have a better understanding of how the food testing relates to their life, at the end of the unit discuss vitamins and read nutrition labels. Alternately, before the kit arrives or after it leaves, teach some nutrition including using the food pyramid and planning meals based upon the pyramid.
All of the unit information can be used to develop to healthy eating strategies.
Use a dark crayon to number the protein strips for the protein test. The crayon doesn't come out in solution.

Additional Photos

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Interactive Activities for the Food Chemistry unit

Food Chemistry Storyline (pdf)

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

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