Embedded Files
Read this "Science News Explores" article (readability score: 7.1) about three scientists who study the secrets of food. Alternatively, you could play the audio links found throughout in which scientist discuss their careers.
Note: Due to the length of this article, you may want to break students into groups and ask each group to read the introduction and then one of the three sections. Student groups can share what they have learned with the class.
Suggested classroom use: Have students answer these classroom questions before, during, and after reading.
(Note: Teachers will need to provide an email address to register for free access to the questions.)
Tom Yang is a food technologist who designs food rations for the U.S. Army. One of his challenges was to design M&Ms that would not melt in the desert. Includes video, teaching tips, and support materials for use with students.
Suggested classroom use: Have students complete this student guide.
This lesson plan from National Agriculture in the Classroom is designed to help students learn about careers in food science. It is intended to take two class periods.
Meet NASA space food scientist Xulei Wu in this video (7:26) and learn about the factors that contribute to preparing food for the astronauts on the International Space Station. See how astronauts are trained for dining in space as well as how space food is designed to meet the challenges of eating in the microgravity of the ISS.
Suggested Classroom Use: After viewing the video, use the Food for Spaceflight activity (60 minutes) to give students their own opportunity to be a space food scientist.
Do you only have a few minutes available? Show one of the short videos below as a warm-up or when there are only a few minutes of class time left.
Utilize one of the suggested reflection forms below with students to increase engagement.
Use this Career Connections Video Student Reflection Guide to engage your students!
Use this LINK video reflection resource to help students focus.
Use this graphic organizer from education.com. Ask students to research any information that isn't provided in the video.
Teachers need to create a free account to access the organizer.
Meet a nutritionist in this video (2:36) and learn about her job helping people. She also offers advice for kids who want to pursue a similar career.
In this video (5:43), meet a sports dietician who works with a professional sports team and learn how she uses science to help the players eat to improve their performance.
In this short video (2:22), meet a chef and cookbook author who shares some of the science behind cooking.
Meet a dietician in this video (2:39) and learn more about how she uses science to help people make healthy eating choices.
Watch this video (2:05) from the University of Arkansas to learn about what food science is and why someone might study it.
This video (3:36) highlights what it is like to study food science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It features food scientists who also appeared on The Amazing Race!
Teacher note: This video is also utilized in a week-long lesson entitled Mix it Up! Food Scientist.
Watch this video (3:27) to see one food scientist investigate pH levels in various tomato juice samples. She also shares why she loves her job!
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