Turning up the Heat!
Essential Question:
What makes hot peppers so spicy? How can we understand the science of spicy foods?
Summary:
This project seeks to explore the science behind hot peppers! What gives your favorite hot sauce that special kick? This project is series of investigations that guides students in analyzing organic compounds through a variety of laboratory techniques. But first, the project launches with a salsa-making day where students gets to design their very own recipe! As we explore this unit's essential question, students will discuss the best method for extracting pure capsaicin, calculate the Scoville Heat Units of various chili peppers, and play with concentrations to design their own brand of hot sauce!
Next Generation Science Standards
MS-LS1-7.Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
MS-LS1-8.Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
What makes hot peppers so spicy? How can we understand the science of spicy foods?
Summary:
This project seeks to explore the science behind hot peppers! What gives your favorite hot sauce that special kick? This project is series of investigations that guides students in analyzing organic compounds through a variety of laboratory techniques. But first, the project launches with a salsa-making day where students gets to design their very own recipe! As we explore this unit's essential question, students will discuss the best method for extracting pure capsaicin, calculate the Scoville Heat Units of various chili peppers, and play with concentrations to design their own brand of hot sauce!
Next Generation Science Standards
MS-LS1-7.Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
MS-LS1-8.Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
Future Project: Kelp Keepers
Essential Question:
How do kelp forests support coastal and marine ecosystems? What can we do to understand and preserve ocean biodiversity?
Summary:
The California coast is a dynamic, active system that supports all kinds of ocean organisms. In this project, students will take a deeper look at what historical records of ocean data tell us about the health of the planet, and learn about the possibilities of restoring underwater ecosystems. Students will learn how can dried seaweed help ocean conservation efforts. Understanding the future of the ocean requires an understanding of the past. Let's dive into this one!
Next Generation Science Standards:
MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems
How do kelp forests support coastal and marine ecosystems? What can we do to understand and preserve ocean biodiversity?
Summary:
The California coast is a dynamic, active system that supports all kinds of ocean organisms. In this project, students will take a deeper look at what historical records of ocean data tell us about the health of the planet, and learn about the possibilities of restoring underwater ecosystems. Students will learn how can dried seaweed help ocean conservation efforts. Understanding the future of the ocean requires an understanding of the past. Let's dive into this one!
Next Generation Science Standards:
MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems