Food Product Use in Lab Activities

Several times during the year, food products such as corn starch, dried beans, gum drops,  rice, sugar, etc. are used in class to build detailed physical models of the substances and phenomena we are studying.  Since most particles (atoms and molecules) and characteristics (density, buoyancy) are invisible, physical model provide students with a way to observe these concepts.

The primary reasons for using food products for building these models is to assure that each student is provided with fresh, untouched materials that are free from any form of contamination.  Especially as we enter a new flu season, preventing the transmissions of viruses is very important in the classroom, and the disposal of materials after each use minimizes such transmissions.  Nuts and other known food allergens are never used in class.

If you have any questions, please contact me at hickman@bpsk12.org

Thank you,

Fred Hickman

Physical Sciences, 8C