Unit Theme: Food Science How can we collectively use math and science in every day life? Hypothesize the final result in scientific experiments by using approximations.
by Grace McCullough
1. The Floating Egg
1.1. Science Standard: Construct explanations from observations to determine how the density of an object affects whether the object sinks or floats when placed in a liquid.
1.2. Math Standard: Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition, and solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume.
1.3. Materials: two drinking glasses, two raw eggs, table salt, spoon
1.4. Implementation: Students will compare volume and density of eggs based on changing water solutions.
2. Floating Letters
2.1. Science Standard: Examine matter through observations and measurements to identify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, density).
2.2. Math Standard: Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit.
2.3. Materials: M&M candies, clear glass/bowl, water
2.4. Implementation: Students will construct a line plot that illustrates solubility levels of candy (M&Ms) at increasing time intervals.
3. Marshmallow Masher
3.1. Science Standard: Plan and carry out investigations (e.g., adding air to expand a basketball, compressing air in a syringe, dissolving sugar in water, evaporating salt water) to provide evidence that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
3.2. Math Standard:Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multistep, real-world problems.
3.3. Materials: small marshmallows, pressurizing pump, plastic soda bottle
3.4. Implementation: Students will learn about atmospheric pressure and use familiar measuring terms to put them experiment into a real-world perspective.
4. Coloring Changing Milk
4.1. Science Standard: Examine matter through observations and measurements to identify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, density).
4.2. Math Standard:Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. [5-MD2]
4.3. Materials: Milk, Dawn Soap, Food Coloring, Bowl
4.4. Implementation: Students will measure different amounts of milk and dawn soap and record how the different reactions of the experiment.
5. Rock Candy Geodes
5.1. Science Standard: Examine matter through observations and measurements to identify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, density).
5.2. Math Standard:Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. [5-MD2]
5.3. Materials: water, hot plate, bowl, food coloring, access to a fridge, aluminum foil, fondant, non-stick wax paper, spoon
5.4. Implementation: Students will dive into an experiment that will introduce them to geology. Students will make their own rock candy and record the materials and amounts that the used and record this on a graph. They will use their notebooks and describe how their rocks look. (incorporating some Language Arts)
6. Food Coloring and Celery Experiment
6.1. Science Standard: Examine matter through observations and measurements to identify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, density).
6.2. Math Standard: Solve real-world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. [5-NF6]
6.3. Materials: Tall, clear glass or jar, Water, Red food coloring, Scissors, Celery stalk with leaves
6.4. Implementation: Students will learn the concepts of adhesion, cohesion, and absorption through observation. Students will record measurements of amounts of food coloring and water to account for the math standard.
