Student Outcome Expected

At the completion of this lesson, the students will be able to:

A.Use cooperative learning techniques to work effectively in their groups.

B. Become familiar with the vocabulary used in the experiments.

C. Predict reactions to fat, starch, and weight tests performed on cereal.

D. Describe how to test foods for fat, starch, and weight.

Emphasis Level

Grades 3-5

Resources

Morholt, E. and Brandwein, P. F. A Sourcebook for the Biological Sciences. Third Edition Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1986. p. 176.

Shymansky, J., Romance, N., and Yore, L. Journeys In Science. Laidlaw Educational Publishers. 1988. p. 306-307.

Alexander, P., Fiegel, M., Foehr, S., Harris, A., Krajkovich, J., May, K., Tzimopoulos, N., Voltmer, R., Life Science. Silver, Burdett and Ginn Inc. 1990. p. 416-418.

Badders, W., Fu, V., Bethel, L., Peck, D., Sumners, C., Valentino, C., Mullane, R. Discovery Works. Silver, Burdett and Ginn Inc. 1996. p. F6-F9.

Background Content Necessary For Student Understanding

This is a discovery lesson designed to introduce how to test cereals for fat, starch, and weight. Students should already be familiar with the concepts of fat, starch, and weight.

Safety

Keep paper towels on hand in case of spillage.

Do not handle the iodine, only the teacher should handle the iodine.

Do not eat the cereal that has the iodine on it, iodine is harmful if swallowed.

Do not get iodine on your skin, clothing, or the carpet because it will stain.

Be aware of any food allergies.

Use plastic bags appropriately.

Student Activity

1. Students will be pre-placed in groups randomly.

2. Roles will be determined by the number on each name tag (Example #1=Tester, #2=Reader, #3=Equipment Manager, #4=Recorder/Reporter).

3. Discrepant Event: The tester from each group will come up to the front of the room for the cereal taste test.

4. Introduce (review) the scientific method with the students.

5. Students follow the instructions on the activity sheets ( Fat Test Starch Test Weight Test) and oral instructions and use the scientific method process to answer the proposed questions.

6. The recorder/reporter from each group will discuss the group results during a class discussion and then record the results on the class chart.

Evaluation Techniques

Observe the students participation in cooperative groups for social skills. Check the students activity forms for proper handling of data. Guide a class discussion to determine the students understanding of the concepts.