You can turn an apple into a model for the Earth's layers.
Physical science encompasses areas of natural science that deal mostly with non-living matter. Examples of types of physical sciences include astronomy, chemistry and geology. It is sometimes a challenge to find engaging ways to teach these subjects to students. Using edible projects often provides an entertaining education experience.
The Layers of the Earth
This project uses an apple to explain the layers of the Earth. Bring enough apples so that all students can have a slice; figure one small apple for every four students. Quarter the apples lengthwise and pass out the pieces. Explain that the peel represents the Earth's crust, which is thin compared to its other layers. Point out that inside of the apple represents the Earth's largest layer called the mantle. Move on to explain that the Earth has a core, as does the apple. All the layers combine to form the planet Earth, just like the layers of the apple all fit together. Then, have the students eat their apple.
Ice Cream Comets
Comets are chunks of ice and debris that travel through space. You can have your class make their own ice cream while learning about comets. Each group should have two to three each of sandwich and gallon sized resealable bags. In the sandwich bags they should combine a mixture of evaporated milk, whole milk, sugar and vanilla. Add ingredients to the mixture such as cookie crumbs and nut to represent dust and rocks. Squeeze out the air, seal the bag tightly and place it in the gallon bag. In the gallon bag put ten spoons of salt and fill the bag one third full of ice. Seal the gallon bag, removing as much air as possible. Have students shake and roll the bag for about 6 to 10 minutes until the milk and sugar turn into ice cream. Then, open the bags and spoon out the ice cream.
Chemistry With Chocolate
Explain that in chemistry a solution is made when a solute dissolves into a solvent. Give each student three chocolate kisses and explain that these represent the solute and saliva represents the solvent. Students are to record the amount of time it takes for the chocolate to dissolve into the saliva. With the first piece, they should record the time it takes the chocolate to dissolve in their mouths without chewing or moving it. They should move the second piece around with their tongues and chew up the third piece, recording the dissolving time for each piece. Through the project, they will learn that stirring the solute into the solvent decreases dissolving time.
Chocolate Sediment
You can create a sedimentary rock model using white, milk and dark chocolate layers. Take some white chocolate squares and melt them in a bowl with a stick of butter, then add rice crispies. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased glass pan. Follow the same process with the milk and dark chocolate, adding in cherry halves and cookie pieces respectively. Press down each layer firmly on top of the other. Put the pan in a refrigerator for eight hours. Remove the pan and allow the mixture to soften for 15 minutes. Cut through the layers to form a "fault line" so that the students can see all the layers.
Tags: chocolate dissolve, dark chocolate, dissolving time, Explain that, into solvent
