What is fermentation? Fermentation is a metabolic process done by microorganisms as well as human cells. It can be used to create many things including wine, bread, yogurt, and beer. In the process, microorganisms break down carbohydrates such as starch and glucose and change them into carbon dioxide, alcohol, and energy. One of the key points of fermentation is that it is an anaerobic process. That means that the entire process does not use oxygen. This is the case for each example below. If … [Read more...] about How is fermentation used to make food?
Organic vs. Conventional (GMO) Farming
Organic is a HUGE industry at the moment but is it better? There are a lot of opinions out there and unfortunately, most (if not all) are biased one way or another. Let's try to break it down scientifically. At the bottom of the page, I've included an awesome podcast episode from Science Vs. I highly recommend you listen to it. What is conventional farming? A conventional farm (sometimes called a GMO farm) uses seeds that have been genetically modified to grow plants that may have a … [Read more...] about Organic vs. Conventional (GMO) Farming
Osmosis Demonstration – Osmosis and the Mighty Potato
Osmosis and the Mighty Potato - Classroom Inquiry and Demonstration Osmosis is simply the diffusion of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane. As is the case with diffusion, water molecules like to go from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This demonstration shows quantitively and qualitatively, the effects of osmosis. At the bottom you'll find the results of the experiment I did in my class and trust me, the results are significant. Materials … [Read more...] about Osmosis Demonstration – Osmosis and the Mighty Potato
Diffusion Demonstration
This activity can either be done as a student inquiry or teacher demonstration. In either case, a preliminary and follow-up discussion can be used to stimulate thinking and reinforce concepts taught in the unit. Materials needed: • 2 tea bags • 2 transparent mugs or glasses • cold water – ice cold water if possible • a kettle The Activity: 1. Have your students draw this chart. 2. Ask your students what they think will happen when one tea bag is put into hot water and … [Read more...] about Diffusion Demonstration
Digital Scavenger Hunt Activities
This activity is the coolest thing I've created and your kids are going to love it, mine do. Here's how you implement them. Print the QR codes and place them around the room Place your students into groups Let them loose! They move from Location to Location as they complete their tasks. Each Task is assigned by scanning the QR code and there are 5 Tasks per Scavenger Hunt Activity. Have them submit their answers directly to your email via a form on my website. This … [Read more...] about Digital Scavenger Hunt Activities
Climate Change: What is it and why is everyone so concerned?
What is climate? When we talk about the climate, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the temperature in an area. Africa typically has a high temperature and therefore, we think of it as having a warm climate. Antarctica is usually cold so it has a cold climate. But the term actually means more than just that. Climate is defined an area’s “average weather”, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and even seasons (What is climate change?, n.d.). Like many things in the … [Read more...] about Climate Change: What is it and why is everyone so concerned?