Are you looking for an activity to explore the energy stored in common foods as part of your thermochemistry unit? This resource meets that goal. It is designed to offer your students the opportunity to:
- Conduct an experiment to investigate which snack provides the most energy per gram.
***Please see the preview to check sample worksheets, list of materials, and further details ***
The resource includes:
- Lab sheet ( 2 pages )
- Graph paper ( 1 page )
- Answer Keys
- Teacher Guide
The resource can be easily integrated into your existing teaching materials, used as a stand-alone, or even as a review at the end of the unit.
Check out this related resource, too: HEAT ENERGY BUNDLE
The Activity:
In this activity, students will investigate and compare the energies stored in three common snacks. They will try to boil 100ml of water ( in an empty soda can) by burning pieces of each snack and taking the initial and final temperatures of the water.
They will record the data onto their lab sheet, use these data to calculate the heat released by the burnt snacks in joules and in calories, and calculate the calories per gram for each snack. Then, they will compare their findings to the information provided by the manufacturers on the label of each snack. Finally, they will draw a bar graph to represent the calories per gram for each snack.
This inquiry activity will help your students connect the topic of heat energy to their daily lives. The materials are easy to obtain, and the teacher has the choice of which snacks to use.
I have included a complete list of materials, procedures, tips, and answer keys to help make the lesson a success.
***Please see the preview to check answer Keys ***
I am confident this resource will be a valuable addition to your teaching toolbox. It will help your students explore how much energy is stored in different types of food. They will get the chance to collaborate with others and apply important scientific skills like collecting data and communicating ideas.
Grade Level:
Grades 9 - 12
Thanks, and have an amazing class!
Please reach out at eazyscience221@gmail.com with feedback and questions. Thanks, and have an amazing class.
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