The Science of Chocolate
Title: The Science of Chocolate
Grade Level: 7
Subject: Science
Learner Outcomes:
1. After making ice cream, students will be able to show
how salt lowers the freezing point of water.
2. Students will investigate which brand of chocolate
chip cookies contains the most chocolate; they analyze and compare data
using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and then use Microsoft Power
Point to communicate their
findings.
3. Students will analyze M & M's and graph what they
discover.
Time Frame: 1 week
Materials:
Activity I
Teacher Notes:
I. Start introducing the lesson by talking about the
freezing point of water. Speculate if there is any way to make that lower.
Ask if
students know what the stuff is that they put on the
roads in the winter ( in areas where there is snow and ice) when there
is frozen precipitation.
Discuss the fact that we put salt on the roads to help
melt ice and prevent slippery conditions. (Salt lowers the freezing point
of water.) You can also describe how this allows us to make ice colder
by adding salt. You can demonstrate this, or do small group investigations
by using a thermometer in a plain cup of water, then adding just ice, then
salt to it.....the students can
record the temperature for each step.
II. Students will investigate which brand of chocolate
chip cookies contains the most chocolate; they analyze and compare data
using Microsoft Word and
Microsoft Excel, and then use Microsoft Power Point to
communicate their
findings. Print the student
activity for students to complete.
III. Students will analyze M & M's and graph what they discover. Upon completion of the activity, post your information on the Internet.
IV. Students will prepare a Power Point presentation that
displays the results of one of the experiments you completed.
Procedures:
I. Making Ice
Cream
Each student gets a sandwich size ziplock baggie to which
these ingredients will be added...
One teaspoon of sugar
2 oz. of milk, cream, or Half
& Half
about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate
syrup.
After the ingredients have been added, seal the baggie and squish everything around to mix it up.
Put three or four of the students baggies into a large ziplock baggie about half full of ice, and with about 5 oz. of salt... then wrap the big baggie up in newspaper so that it looks like a tootsie roll. Have two students take one end each, and shake the 'tootsie roll' for about 5 min.
You now have ice cream!!!! Pass out spoons and eat!
II. What's your favorite brand of chocolate chip cookies? Is it the one with the most chocolate per bite? In this activity, you will uncover the chocolate quotient in several popular cookie brands.
III. Read the Mighty
M&M Math Experiment
1. Predict (1) total number of m&ms in each bag,
(2) the most and least common colors, and (3) the class' favorite color.
2. Determine the groups' actual number of each color.
3. Determine the groups' percentages.
4. Determine class average percentage for each color.
5. Submit information from # 5 rounded to the nearest
whole number.
6. Analyze results. Post findings on a chart on the wall.
Work as a group to prepare a spreadsheet that analyzes data collected by
the class.
IV. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that displays the results of one of the experiments you completed.
Modifications: Modifications will be made based on those listed in student's IEP.
Enrichment Activities:
Evaluation/Assessment:
IGO's and Other Standards:
Nature of Science
7.5 apply skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning,
and/or creativity in investigating the observable universe (e.g., uses
of natural resources, chemical and physical changes of matter; factors
affecting living conditions in space vehicles)
7.8 use a variety of activities and investigations to
produce a sense of wonder about the natural world and the joy of discovery
Scientific Attitudes/Habits of Mind
7.10 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find
answers, solve problems and conduct investigations to further an
appreciation and joy of scientific discovery
7.11 process and integrate experiences with prior knowledge
to formulate new ideas
7.12 understand that the study of science is a dynamic
process and the results are not always definite or complete
Scientific Processes/Thinking Skills
7.17 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions
from collected data (e.g., causes and effects)
7.18 utilize experimentation to demonstrate scientific
processes (e.g., formulating questions, predicting, forming hypotheses,
quantifying, identifying dependent and independent variables)
7.19 develop rational thinking processes that underlie
scientific approaches to problem solving by employing critical-thinking
skills in applying scientific knowledge, using imagination and creativity
while working individually or cooperatively (e.g., sequencing of components
and processes according to order of occurrence, cause and effect of interruptions
in a sequence of a system, representations involving sequencing of processes
and components of a system)
Laboratory Investigations/Hands-On Learning
7.21 engage in active inquiries, investigations, and
hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop
conceptual understanding and laboratory skills
7.22 use a variety of materials and scientific instruments
to conduct explorations and investigations of the natural world to explain
science concepts (e.g., measure environmental conditions using appropriate
instruments)
7.23 demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating
and caring for science materials, equipment and living organisms
Science Themes and Subject Matter
7.25 associate hands-on activities to daily life experiences
Computer/Technology
7.78 use appropriate software, audio-visual, and/or multimedia
materials to practice and master seventh grade instructional objectives
in science
7.79 using the graphing application of appropriate software,
select the suitable chart, table, or graph to display data
7.80 using the graphing application of appropriate software,
create tables, charts, and/or graphs
7.81 use a calculator to perform mathematical functions
in data analysis
References:
Johnson, Shelly. Chocolate.
Teacher Created Materials, Inc., 1996.
Ice
Cream Recipe
Analyze
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mighty
M&M Math
Post
data collected
Comments:
Created By: Deborah Clark, Bertha Clay, Kimberly Rodes; Summers Middle School, 400 Temple Street, Hinton, WV 25951 (304)466-6030; Principal, Dr. Sarah L. Brown
Date Created: February 25, 1999
Date Modified:
Attachments:
| Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Lesson 5 |