Modeling Matter

Last week, we launched our first science unit in 5th grade: Modeling Matter. We began the unit by asking students to think about what the job of a food scientist entails. The students came up with ideas from testing food for safety to taste-testing new recipes. Students learned that a food scientist analyzes the nutirtional content of food, and researches ways to guarantee food is safe and healthy.

After we discussed the job of a food scientist, students learned that their role during this unit will be just that. Throughout this unit, students will act as "food scientists" for Good Food Production, Inc. They began by engaging in the process of observing different mixtures. In order to make firsthand observations and conduct simple tests with food mixtures, the students learned about the concept of properties.  They examined the color, texture, and smell of three different mixtures.  They also used a spoon to conduct a pour test and a strip of paper to conduct a dip test.  They recorded their observation on the table below.  This helped determine what the mystery mixtures could be.

As this unit progresses, the students will continue their work as food scientists. Next on the agenda is learning about and conducting a chromotography test. Fun stuff!