|Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute||Home| The unit is initiated
with a discussion of how chemistry is an important part of all
our lives. Initial connections are made by having students
discuss what their morning was like and how chemistry played an
important role. Before considering the intended food subject
area, we first activate prior knowledge of molecules and how
they move dependent upon the state of matter (class activity:
Movin' Molecules). Second, students will explore the concept of
density using a Twinkie. An introduction to chemical and
physical properties follows with the concluding portion of the
lesson illustrating how mixing/melting ingredients are examples
of physical changes while baking those mixed ingredients
culminates a chemical change. Lastly, students will see the
fermentation process of yeast feeding upon sugar water producing
carbon dioxide and alcohol as waste products. (Recommended for
Science, grades 6-8)