What’s on Your Plate? Exploring Food Science is a comprehensive curriculum set with hands-on experiments—some of which learners can eat as they discover the science behind food preparation. Youth learn the building blocks of food science using chemistry, biology, and physics in a “kitchen laboratory” setting. Learn why and how things happen in breads, muffins, eggs, fruit, vegetables, cheese, candy, and beverages. Conduct food experiments, collect and analyze data, practice sensory science (tasting), and investigate career opportunities. Each unit contains three activities for beginner through advanced learners.

The Youth Science Journal leads learners through the experiments and provides them with use-at-home information. Unit 4, “Be a Food Scientist,” lets learners look at a day in the life of a food scientist, as well as practice being one as they create a new beverage and learn a basic food science skill--crystallization. The Facilitator Guide (sold separately) provides tips and photos for successfully doing the activities. Short, online tutorial videos show exactly what you need to know and explain the science behind the experiments.