Using Food to Demonstrate Earth Science Concepts: a Review

Abstract

Researchers categorized over one hundred print and web resources that use food to demonstrate earth science concepts. This article describes their findings: food-based activities are found in print and web-based resources with nearly equal frequency; most feature geologic themes; most are designed for primary and middle school audiences, but can be adapted for older students; and most of these activities meet the National Science Standard "Structure of the Earth" for middle school students. The authors suggest that food-based activities are a way to make subject matter more exciting and understandable, particularly for those with little or no background in science, and that food, which students consume daily, can serve as a reality based analogy to better understand many of the unfamiliar, abstract concepts taught in earth science classes. Educational levels: Graduate or professional