Do you remember being inspired by a class in high school? I hope to inspire my students with hands on activities to bring alive science concepts. Cooking offers the opportunity to learn about both science concepts & nutritious/safe food preparation. It's a delicious way to learn!
My school is in an urban high needs district and does not have adequate resources for my students.
My students are wonderful creative people that despite their situation have a positive attitude in life. The majority live in poverty and qualify for free lunches. They do not have background and exposure to best serve them when taking the NYS Regents exams. Last year I was able to provide them with a science enrichment day at Cornell University. They loved it and I believe inspired some to pursue their interest in science. However without the technology and supplies, I fear that I cannot give them the best opportunities.
These supplies will give them a chance to learn proper and safe food preparation as well as studying science concepts. All these goals can be accomplished by baking bread.
My Project
A great way to explain biology to students is to get them cooking. In particular, baking bread is a fabulous way to introduce certain biological concepts. Yeast, the ingredient in bread that makes it rise, is a fungi. Proofing the yeast brings it to life & sets off a series of biological functions. If the yeast reactions are lacking, the result is flat bread, not a loaf of bread.
These supplies will help students design a set of criteria to determine if a something is alive. The final unit exam will be to bake bread!
The cookbooks, microscopic slides of yeast, CD-ROM games and DVDs will make a difference in my student's learning this year. I want all my students to pass the NYS Regents & have an opportunity to pursue college.
As a parent and a teacher, I realize the impact education makes on my students. Science in particular is energizing and engages my students' imaginations. Every day I say to myself, perhaps I am helping one student move forward to a brighter future. Thank you
This project is important from so many different perspectives.
Cooking involves many disciplines. Science, math, geometry, and vocational preparation are all subjects that can be taught in the kitchen. Teaching through cooking involves all of the senses. Lessons taught in the kitchen solidify concepts and turn abstract science concepts into something tangible. On a personal level I loved cooking in the kitchen. I'd like to bring that feeling to my students via these hands on activities.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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